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"Fitness
is not a luxury. It is, instead, an essential prerequisite
for
maintaining optimal
health and well-being
throughout
the lifespan." (Rimmer, 2004).
If
you look around your local gym, track, or golf course, it is unlikely
that you will see people with developmental disabilities. Study
after study has shown that this population has much lower fitness
levels than the general population as a result of their lifestyle,
not their disability. This will ultimately lead to an increased
risk for stroke, obesity and coronary artery disease in later life.
In
addition to fitness, children and adults with autism and other developmental
disabilities often have sensory problems that require specialized
therapeutic interventions. One of these interventions, sensory integration
therapy, has been widely used in this field. This therapy has received
much attention and parent/teacher reports indicate that it is of
tremendous benefit to the children and adults who participate. Unfortunately,
many programs refuse to offer sensory integration therapy to their
students/residents because research on its effectiveness is still
in its infancy.
The
Fitness, Therapy, and Recreation Center proposes to address these
critical areas related to healthcare and fitness for this population
and those who support them. To our knowledge, this model program
will be the only one of its kind in the nation. Through establishing
this program, and through the research we will conduct, we expect
to see improved overall health and life quality of the individuals
served and of others with developmental disabilities nationwide.
The
Fitness, Therapy, and Recreation Center will offer the following
distinctive services:
- A
specialized center specifically designed and staffed to meet the
unique needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
- State-of-the-art
adapted exercise equipment for aerobic and strengthening exercise.
- An
on staff exercise physiologist to set goals, monitor progress,
and ensure achievement for each individual.
- A
sensory integration therapy lab designed to serve both research
and therapeutic purposes.
- A
social/recreation club offering a place where those who cannot
access Special Olympics and other existing social/recreation programs
can go for planned activities, relaxation, and social functions.
Additionally, the Oceanside Fitness, Therapy & Recreation
Center will offer opportunities not available at other existing
social/recreation programs.
The
agency is seeking support to develop this critical and innovative
program which will originate in Oceanside and eventually be relocated
to the Center for Research and Life Planning upon completion of
that campus (estimated in 2009).
Fundraising
Goals/Donations Received to Date:
| Component
|
Equipment/Start-Up
Budget |
Donor
|
Donation
|
Amount
Remaining |
|
Fitness
|
$145,000
|
|
|
$145,000
|
| Therapy
|
$35,000
|
SD
County Supervisor Bill Horn/Community Projects Grant
Thomas
C. Ackerman Foundation |
$17,500
$10,000
|
$7,500
|
|
Recreation
|
$14,200
|
|
|
$14,200
|
We
have developed three distinct levels of support that may be of interest,
detailed as follows:
$145,000
Level of Support: This allows us to purchase
the equipment needed to furnish the Fitness Center and covers the
start-up costs of the Oceanside Center .
$250,000
Level of Support: Will provide for all
of the start-up costs including equipment and capital improvements.
A donation at this level will be recognized by a naming opportunity
for the Oceanside Fitness, Recreation, and Therapy Center for the
endurance of the program at that location (estimated at 5 years).
$1,000,000
Level of Support: This level of support is
recognized by a naming opportunity for the Oceanside Fitness, Therapy
& Recreation Center, as well as the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium/Auditorium
planned for our new campus. We invite interested parties to
consider a commitment of $250,000 per year for four years. The initial
$250,000 will allow for start-up of the Oceanside Fitness, Therapy,
and Recreation Center with the remainder applied toward our capital
campaign for the Center for Research and Life Planning.
In-kind
donations and other cash donations are also welcome and very much
appreciated.
For
more information about this exciting project,
please
contact Bill Mara or Cheryl Kilmer at (760) 721-1706.
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