Activity Highlights
Physical Activity
NCODH assisted the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability as subject matter experts in the development of the new specialty certification for fitness professionals to work with individuals with disabilities.
A certified inclusive fitness trainer (CIFT) is a fitness professional who assesses, develops and implements an individualized exercise program for persons with a physical, sensory or cognitive disability, who are healthy or have medical clearance to perform independent physical activity. CIFT professionals hold a current NCCA-accredited health/fitness certification and CPR and AED certifications. In addition to knowledge of exercise physiology, exercise testing and programming, a CIFT has knowledge in inclusive facility design and awareness of social inclusion for people with disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally the ACSM/NCPAD CIFT demonstrates and leads safe, effective and adapted methods of exercise; writes adapted exercise recommendations, understands precautions and contraindications to exercise for people with disabilities; is aware of current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy specific to recreation facilities (U.S. Access Board Guidelines) and standards for accessible facility design and can utilize motivational techniques and provide appropriate instruction to individuals with disabilities to enable them begin and continue healthy lifestyles. To learn more about the CIFT, check out the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability at http://www.ncpad.org/exercise/fact_sheet.php?sheet=679 or the American College of Sports Medicine at http://certification.acsm.org/acsm-inclusive-fitness-trainer.
New collaborations and funding:
NCODH is working to improve the forensic exam experience for sexual violence victims with intellectual disabilities by developing, implementing, and evaluating an in-person and online training for sexual assault nurse examiners. This project is funded by the NC Governor’s Crime Commission.
NCODH is partnering with Brandies University and the UNC-CH School of Social Work to conduct a 3 year research study to determine whether the Women Be Healthy curriculum intervention helps promote cervical and breast cancer screening for women with intellectual disabilities. This project is supported by the National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation Research.
NCODH is working with the University of Illinois at Chicago to develop a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to measure healthy, active living resources in the community, including schools, recreation facilities, health care sites, workplaces and food environments .This will enable communities to measure how well they support healthy, active living for all members of the community, including people with disabilities. This project is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
We are also supporting the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s systematic approach to develop, identify, and adapt strategies and practices supporting participation of youth and young adults with disabilities in community-based obesity-prevention programs. This project is supported by the National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation Research.
New Publications
Finding accessible screening mammography sites in Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Orange & Wake Counties
Download now (560 KB)(Digital only)
Removing Barriers: Planning Meetings that are Accessible to all Participants
This publication highlights guidelines and strategies to help organizations make
their meetings accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. The
guide focuses on small and last-minute meetings to make sure that a variety
of participants are included in all aspects of organizational life.
Download now (958KB)
A Provider's Guide for the Care of Women with Physical Disabilities & Chronic Medical Conditions (newly revised)
This guide, originally written by Dr. Sandra Welner, has been updated by Suzanne C. Smeltzer, RN, EdD, FAAN and Nancy C. Sharts-Hopko, RN, PhD, FAAN. The guide is designed for clinicians to improve their knowledge and practice in providing care to women with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. It includes information on access to general medical care, removing common barriers, comprehensive reproductive health care and health promotion and wellness.Download PDF (164KB) or read online
