accessibility of their own spaces and to determine how to eliminate issues that they discover. The Rick Hansen Foundation is a


non-profit organization dedicated to creating innovative solutions that re- move barriers and liberate the poten- tial of people with disabilities. The Rick Hansen Foundation


Accessibility Certification program (RHFAC) rates and certifies the accessi- bility of the places where we live, work and play. When you pursue an RHF ac- cessibility certificate for your facility, an accessibility professional rates your current level of accessibility and iden- tifies where your space can improve. In Vancouver, B.C., an innovative fa-


cility called the Yuel Family Physical Activity Research Centre (PARC) is leading the way. PARC began as a re- search project by the International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD) to track the effect of physi- cal activity on people with spinal cord injuries. Over the years, it has become


much more than this. The exercise equipment at PARC


can all be accessed from a wheelchair, or clients can transfer to it directly from a wheelchair. Adaptive strength equipment uses


“Over the next 12 years, real


spending by people with disabilities is


anticipated to grow at three times the rate of the overall population.”


compressed air for resistance instead of traditional weight stacks or plates. This provides a more consistent resis- tance throughout the range of motion


and allows users with physical disabili- ties to adjust weight loads indepen- dently and safely. PARC is Accessibility Certified Gold


under the RHFAC Program, the high- est possible accessibility certifica- tion. PARC also won Vancouver’s 2017 Accessible City Award in recognition of its work. PARC’s impact on it clients has been life changing. It is an inclu- sive gym and research program, and it boasts a very supportive community. You can help create a more-inclu-


sive world where everyone lives to their full potential. Having your fitness facility rated for accessibility, under the RHFAC program, makes it highly attractive to users with physical dis- abilities. But more importantly, when you create a space where everyone can break a sweat, you make a lasting dif- ference in your community.


Allanah Johnston is a communications specialist at the Rick Hansen Foundation. For more infor- mation, visit www.rickhansen.com/RHFAC.


NEW!! PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!


A Convenient, Practical and


Cost Efficient way of dispensing your


Item # MC7094-T SAVE $ AND SAVE SPACE WITH THE NEW TABLE-TOP ALUMINUM DISPENSER


1-800-463-2516 • INFO@PETRASOAP.COM • WWW.PETRASOAP.COM Winter 2019 Fitness Business Canada 19


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36