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Show me around

Gym spaces can be overwhelming for some young adults with disability.

Take time to show them the different areas in the gym. Show them how to use the equipment.

It’s a good idea to repeat this process a few times so they feel safe, seen, and comfortable.

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Orientation

Being shown how to use the gym space and equipment

  • Asking the young adult with disability what they want and need.

    Time to familiarise the young adult with disability to the physical environment including:

    • Access

    • Change room facilities

    • The gym environment and spaces

    • The equipment

    • The exercises

    • 1 -2 times for most people

    More often if the young adult requires:

    • Extra support

    • Repetition of information

    • Time to learn and adapt to a new environment

    • Ensure the young adult with disability is safe and feels safe

    • Adapt exercises, equipment and problem solve in consultation with specialists, if available

    • Don’t rush

    Some young adults with disability need extra support structures

    • Visual or electronic aids

    • 1 : 1 support at all times

    • A gym support coordinator or contact person

    • Gym staff

    • Specialists (e.g., exercise physiologist or physiotherapist) who know the young adult

    • Disability training or experience

    • Involvement of carers

    • Communication with specialists

Young adult, aged 25 years

“Everyone needs [orientation]…support is really important when you’re starting something new”

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