I am writing to draw your attention to the problem of health and fitness centers accessibility for individuals with disabilities. I would like you to pay particular attention to the problem and provide people with disabilities with equal access to health and fitness centers. I am deeply concerned about the current situation of physical education and physical activity among individuals with disabilities. I do believe that authorities should react adequately to the issue to promote the well-being of people with disabilities.
More than fifty million residents of the United States of America have disabilities (Rimmer et al. 2023). It means that almost every fifth person has some problem. Most individuals with disabilities have a sedentary way of life. Also, peculiar physical barriers prevent them from the active participation in physical activities. The incidence of disabilities is higher among older people. The inactive way of life is harmful to all people regardless of disabilities. The lack of physical activity leads to the soon aggravation of the health condition. The need for accessible health and fitness centers is predetermined by the fact the outdoor activities may be dangerous for individuals with disabilities. Some outdoor places are not safe for physical activity. For instance, a person with disability may need to have frequent rests. Long distances between benches may become a serious problem in such a case. Besides, many people do not want to conduct physical exercises outside because they are afraid of discrimination or shy (Rimmer et al. 2023). The ability to go to the health center seems to be the ideal solution to the problem. Nevertheless, the situation with accessibility is problematic. The authors of the study examined 35 health centers and found out that all of them lack the necessary level of accessibility (Rimmer et al. 2023-2025).
A participation in physical activities has a variety of positive effects on people with disabilities. Regular exercise and sport provide physical, psychological, and social benefits. Thus, “exercise can prevent many health conditions prevalent in this population, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health difficulties (Taggart and Cousins 175). An engagement in physical activities improves emotional condition and mood of the personality. Consequently, one has a better psychological condition. The psychological well-being is essential for positive thinking about oneself. Also, social benefits refer to the way community think of population with disabilities. Even more, it enhances the development of relations and draws individuals with disabilities and community together. It should be noted that the need to provide accessible health and fitness centers is defined in the Americans with Individuals Act (ADA). All public recreational parks and programs should be accessible according to Title II of the ADA. Private health facilities should remove all barriers according to Title III of the ADA (Howard 7).
The accessibility of health and fitness centers is a right of every person regardless of physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities. Besides, all people have similar essential needs. Consequently, it is necessary to provide a population with disabilities with the right to engage in sport and become members of the community. I ask you to take into consideration all of the information provided. In my opinion, it is necessary to evaluate the accessibility of existing health centers in the local area. Then, the particular changes should be implemented to provide all people with an equal right to health.
Works Cited
Howard, Lauren. Removing Barriers to Health Clubs and Fitness Facilities. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: FPG Child Development Institute, 2008. Print.
Rimmer, James, Barth Riley, Edward Wang and Amy Rauworth. “Accessibility of Health Clubs for People with Mobility Disabilities and Visual Impairments.” American Journal of Public Health 95.11 (2005): 2022-2028. Print.
Taggart, Laurence, and Wendy Cousins. Health Promotion for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. New York City, New York: McGraw Hill Education, 2014. Print.