Universally Accessible, Independently Active

PWD (People with disabilities) in Phoenix have no excuse to sit still. The Virginia G. Piper Sports and Fitness Center, known as SpoFit, has fitness equipment, classes, sport gyms, a climbing wall and aquatics programs for every ability. As the mother of a competitive swimmer who happens to ride a wheelchair, I know how hard it is to find pools and locker room facilities that really work for all abilities. This center has the best pool layout I’ve seen.

There are two pools and a hot tub, each with at least two means of transfer into the water.  The warm water therapy pool has steps, a transfer wall, a lift with a chair seat (including head and foot rest) and a in-water platform lift (first one’s I’ve seen).

 

(Sorry about the rotated image of the platform lift. My techie skills are failing me tonight.)

The lap pool has a transfer platform, a lift and a pool platform lift.  The transfer platform is aligned with gradual steps in the water to aid in transferring back out of the pool. SpoFit provides cushions for those who need butt protection during the transfer process.

I am so excited to know there are models of great fitness facilities that are inclusive of all abilities. My city needs our fitness facility to follow SpoFit’s motto, “Universally Accessible, Independently Active!”