Key Issues

Why is the Inclusive Fitness Coalition Important?

It is estimated that 50 million people have some type of disability. This significant portion of the population faces some of the greatest health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles. The Inclusive Fitness Coalition developed out of the need to address these health issues and create a united effort to increase access to and participation in physical activity for people with disabilities.

Some of the key issues include:

• Healthy behaviors are just as important for promoting health and wellness and preventing disease in people with disabilities as they are for those without a disability. Yet, people with disabilities have been left out of many health promotion efforts.
• People with disabilities are at a higher risk for common chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease as well as disability-related secondary conditions.
• People with disabilities are much less likely than those without disabilities to engage in regular physical activity.
• People with disabilities are more likely to experience attitudinal, social and programmatic barriers that may limit their inclusion in physical activity, fitness, sports, recreation and physical education.
• Many fitness and recreation facilities, outdoor spaces, and some types of fitness equipment are not accessible to people with disabilities making efforts to participate in physical activity very difficult.