Inclusive Physical Activity in Carroll County, Iowa

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Submission Date: June 2017

State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: Iowa

States/Territories Involved: Iowa

Funding Source: CDC, NACDD

CDC Funding:

Yes

CDC Funding (Specified):

Other CDC Funding

Domain Addressed:

Environmental Approaches

Public Health Issue:

  • People with intellectual and developmental disabilities often lack access to routine physical activity for reasons such as cost, unfamiliarity with the activities, fear that they won’t be able to keep up with others, and lack of enough certified facilities and trainers to work effectively with this population.
  • Individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, tend to be sedentary and are at higher risk for chronic diseases.
  • Offering physical activity opportunities as a part of programs they are already involved in may motivate them to be more active in other aspects of their lives.

Program Action:

  • Homecare Options, Inc. is a Carroll County, Iowa, agency that provides independent living services to people with disabilities in day and residential programs.
  • Homecare Options, Inc. participated in NACDD’s national disability inclusion healthy community pilot project.

Impact/Accomplishments:

  • As a result of their work with NACDD’s national disability inclusion healthy community pilot project, Homecare Options established a new policy setting a goal of a minimum of 30 minutes of daily physical activity for the participants in their day programs and for people living in their residential setting.
  • Through an agreement with Platinum Fitness, a local gym, and Train to Inspire, a local nonprofit, 19 people with disabilities served by Homecare Options now participate in no-cost personal training sessions and fitness classes.
  • Community members serve as wellness “mentors” to participants through these activities.
  • Community Coach Kristin Nehring of Homecare Options says “Our clients are more physically active than they have been in the past. This opportunity allows them to be up and moving each day, getting their heart rate up, learning about exercise and nutrition, and making better choices for themselves.”

Program Areas:

Health Equity and Cultural Competency, Healthy Communities (general)

State Contact Information:

IA
Kristin Nehring
Homecare Options, Inc.
712-792-0322
kristin@careeroptions.us

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