Health Hub - Creating an Inclusive Environment for All: Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. At the YMCA of Northwest Florida, we’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Did you know we offer specialized programs, equipment, and events to serve community members of all abilities? Keep reading to learn more about each program.
Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons, hosted by the Bear Levin Studer Y, provides one-on-one swim lessons to children with disabilities. We believe that water safety is a skill that benefits all children, and we have seen the positive effects that aquatics programs have on children with special needs. Our experience indicates that the water is often a place where children with special needs can thrive, a place to build confidence and experience joy – with the right approach. Community members who are not Y members are welcome. For more information, click here.
Our pools are outfitted with accessibility in mind. From zero entry activity pools at both locations, a lift for the lap pool in the aquatics center, and wheelchairs for use around the water, there’s a mobility option to help everyone enjoy the therapeutic benefits of being in the water.
The Bear Levin Studer Y is also proud to host a specialized Parkinson’s Program. Our class meets three times a week to integrate key exercise components while providing support and socialization opportunities. Research has shown that this type of exercise can positively affect range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and functional fitness for Parkinson's patients. For more information, click here.
Every October, the YMCA partners with area organizations to provide our Little Pumpkins Jamboree, a fall festival for children with special needs. We work with the Escambia County School District Exceptional Student Education team to identify those students who will benefit most from this morning of costumes and characters, hands-on sensory activities, games, face painting, crafts, dancing, food and fun. This event has been a fall celebration for more than 20 years.
And even here on our website our images are configured with alt text to be compatible with screen readers. Have you tested any of them out?
At the Y, we believe everyone deserves to belong. We’re committed to creating a space where all individuals—of all abilities—feel seen, supported, and celebrated. If you or someone you know in the disability community has ideas on how we can be more welcoming, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out— we’re listening!