Let’s get adaptive

As mentioned in previous articles, Campus Rec at Portland State strives to make a healthier lifestyle available to all students. This applies to trainees of all experience levels, interests and age groups, those with children and those with disabilities. From its inception, a key idea behind the Rec Center was that it would be accessible to all.

Jen Armbruster, coordinator of Adaptive Rec since October, tells me, “When they designed the building and what equipment was going to be in the Rec Center, a lot of thought was given to accessibility for all. Campus Rec was and is committed to making sure everyone can utilize the Rec Center.”

Though the Adaptive Rec program is still in its infancy, Jen says that over 50 individuals have already contacted her regarding accessibility and accommodations. One way in which Campus Rec is looking to meet the needs of such individuals is through acquiring equipment (or modifying existing equipment) that will accommodate them.

“We have a variety of pieces of equipment that were purchased with a variety of disabilities in mind. We purchased a lot of techno gym equipment, which has features such as seats moving to the side, or completely out for chair users to roll into easily. Also some of their equipment, as well as Cybex pieces, are high contrast or tactile controls users who may be low-vision or blind. We also have an upper body toner which was designed by a person who has a significant spinal cord injury in the range of C5, so it was designed for persons whose injuries affected both upper and lower body significantly.”

Some of the equipment will be of interest to all students, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. Some new additions simply offer a different type of workout, or a workout that is more comfortable.

“We have a variety of other cardio gear, such as the Krank cycles, which are just like spin bikes but you are using your arms or arm to peddle. This machine can go forward and backwards with fairly easy adjustments. We also have recumbent bikes so that you can get more back support when working out, and we’ve made modifications for our cycle bikes in case people need a larger platform and more security for their feet,” Armbruster says.

Armbruster stated that the Campus Rec staff has received additional training to help them aid members with special needs. The staff is able to offer helpful suggestions about alternative ways to perform certain exercises or workouts, and how to properly use the accessible equipment. They are also actively trying to ensure that all classes, programs, outings and intramural sports are accessible to all.

Adaptive Rec promises to only improve as time moves forward, with the goal of promoting health and wellness to the entire Portland State population.

“We want to see everyone using the facilities here on campus. We want individuals to not only be successful in the classroom, but to get healthy in all avenues of their being physically, emotionally and mentally…We have started to offer a few things, but there is plenty of room to grow the program. We’ll continue to purchase more gear and to push our programs and let folks know we are here. We have sports chairs on the way, as well as a couple more new pieces of equipment that will be seen in the fitness center over the next few months.” ?

For more information, visit http://pdx.edu/recreation/adaptive-rec. For special accommodations to access the Campus Rec facility or participate in any program, please schedule an appointment with Jen Armbruster, Adaptive Recreation and Community Service Coordinator, at 503-725-2927 or [email protected].