Adults with developmental disabilities get their sweat on with return of exercise program

Adults with developmental disabilities are happy about the return of the University of Windsor Adaptive Physical Exercise program. 

It matches student volunteers with adults from Community Living Essex County with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

"[It's] really important to stay healthy," participant Seth Sugarman told the CBC after shooting hoops with the co-ordinator of the program, Thomas Lamanna, who is also a graduate student in kinesiology.

"I'm a good trainer, right? I can help you with your basketball shot?" Lamanna asked Sugarman.

"Yeah," he replied.

The program, which takes place at the Toldo Lancer Centre, has been suspended the past couple of years due to the pandemic, but it's now back and running two days per week.

Kiera Czop, a volunteer who is also studying kinesiology at the University of Windsor, works together with Mary Ellen Smith.

"We can apply our knowledge from what we learn about muscles, joints, the whole human body," Czop said.

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"I've also taken some exercise prescription courses which help me in allowing to make [a] program for [Mary]... It just kind of depends on what makes her happy."

When asked if she likes coming to work with students in the program, Smith enthusiastically said, "Yes".  

Chad Sutherland, director of operations for sport performance for the centre of performance and health, said having the program take place at the Lancer Centre around other students is an important aspect of the program.

"It's also a huge benefit for our students who work out alongside our program and see it operate, really see the ability the people in Community Living Essex County supports and grasp a better understanding of their potential in the gym."