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The other night at dinner, my six-year-old son, Rory, brought up something that stopped me mid-bite. He had just finished his second month of kindergarten, and in between stories about recess and his favorite snacks, he started talking about his classmates. "A kid in my class has Autism." I knew this conversation was coming; I didn't expect it to be so soon. "How do you know?" I asked. "My teacher told me. He sometimes makes noises when we're supposed to be quiet. She said he couldn't help it and we would still get our points." Rory's classroom isn't set up in the linear desk fashion. Instead, they have table groups or "teams" and earn points for a variety of things throughout the day. Rory, being the son of two collegiate athletes, is slightly competitive to say the least. This is why his teacher made sure to explain that his team wasn't being penalized for something out of their friend's control. "Did she say anything else?" "Yes. She said that he learns differently and experiences the world in a different way." "That's right. Did you know that a lot of Daddy's friends are Autistic? You know many people who see and experience the world differently from you." Rory has been exposed to neurodivergence since birth. My wife and I have made sure that he developed his own relationship with clients, and during COVID when we turned our garage into a gym and Rory was only one year old, this became his norm. Two people in particular emerged at the forefront of the conversation: "Uncle B" and "Uncle P." Benjamin (Uncle B) is the inspiration behind Specialty Athletic Training. I first met him in 2007 when I replied to a Craigslist ad to work as a 1:1 aide for a 13-year old boy with Autism. That job developed into a lifelong relationship and changed my life in more ways than one. Patrick (Uncle P) experiences Down Syndrome and was the team manager at Lewis & Clark College when I played football. We both stepped foot on Palatine Hill in 2003. He has played an integral part in my life and the lives of any other student-athlete who has suited up for the Pioneers. Moments like that remind me how powerful early exposure to inclusion really is. At five and six years old, kids like Rory are already learning empathy, patience, and curiosity, not fear. As parents, educators, and community members, we can help shape those conversations. It is important to lean into these conversations and not avoid them as parents. That dinner table conversation was a simple one, but it carried a big message: inclusion starts young, and it starts at home.
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When most people think about health and fitness, they think about access and opportunity. But for many individuals with disabilities, those opportunities are limited — and that limitation shows up in the data. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults with disabilities are more likely to experience obesity than adults without disabilities. In fact, some studies estimate that obesity rates are nearly 60 percent higher in the disability community. For children with disabilities, the gap is just as concerning. These numbers do not reflect personal choices or motivation. They reflect systemic barriers that have kept far too many people from accessing the same resources, environments, and support that others take for granted. The good news is that these barriers can be broken down, and fitness can play a powerful role in doing just that. UNDERSTANDING THE BARRIERSLimited Access to Inclusive Fitness Spaces: Most gyms are not designed for people with disabilities. Narrow walkways, non-adjustable machines, and overstimulating environments can make fitness spaces physically or emotionally inaccessible. Even when equipment is available, staff often lack training on how to adapt exercises for different abilities. This lack of access sends a discouraging message: “This space is not built for you.” That message alone can keep someone from even trying to participate. Transportation and Financial Challenges: Getting to a gym, recreation center, or community program can be difficult for individuals who rely on specialized transportation or live in areas without accessible options. Adaptive programs also tend to cost more because of specialized staffing, limiting access for families on fixed incomes or state funding. Fewer Community and School-Based Opportunities: Physical education programs for students with disabilities are often underfunded or underdeveloped. Many children with disabilities miss out on early exposure to movement, teamwork, and physical activity. Without these experiences, exercise can feel intimidating or unfamiliar in adulthood. Medication and Health Factors: Certain medications and health conditions can affect metabolism, appetite, and energy levels. When combined with limited access to exercise and healthy food, these factors make weight management even more challenging. Lack of Representation and Education: The fitness industry rarely represents people with disabilities in its marketing, programming, or education. This creates a visibility gap and reinforces the idea that fitness is only for a specific type of body. Trainers often leave school or certification programs without any experience working with special populations, which perpetuates the problem. HOW FITNESS CAN HELPThe role of fitness is not just to change bodies — it is to build confidence, improve function, and increase quality of life. When done right, fitness becomes a bridge to independence, health, and community connection. Focus on Functional Movement: For many clients, fitness is not about weight loss. It is about being able to complete everyday tasks with greater ease and independence. Training programs that emphasize functional movement help individuals strengthen the muscles they use in daily life. That might mean getting in and out of a chair, carrying groceries, or maintaining balance while walking. Create Sensory-Friendly and Supportive Environments: Lighting, noise, and crowding can make traditional gyms overwhelming. Creating sensory-friendly training spaces helps clients feel safe and comfortable, which increases participation and consistency. When the environment feels welcoming, people show up more often — and that consistency is what drives long-term results. Prioritize Education and Empowerment: Fitness should empower clients to understand their own bodies. Teaching proper movement patterns, goal-setting, and self-advocacy helps individuals take ownership of their health journey. That education builds confidence that carries into every area of life. Build Community and Belonging: Social support is one of the strongest predictors of success in any health program. Group classes, adaptive sports, and inclusive community events create connection and accountability. When people see others like them participating in fitness, it becomes normalized — and that changes everything. Advocate for Accessibility at Every Level: The solution is bigger than one gym or one trainer. It requires collective effort from schools, policymakers, health systems, and fitness professionals. We need more funding for adaptive PE, more inclusive program design, and more professional education about training individuals with disabilities.  At Specialty Athletic Training, we work exclusively with the disability community, and we see every day how movement transforms lives. We have trained hundreds of clients across Oregon and Washington, and the outcomes go far beyond physical changes.
Clients gain independence, confidence, and self-esteem. They discover new abilities they did not know they had. Families see improvements in mood, focus, and daily functioning. These successes show what happens when barriers are removed and access is prioritized. The obesity gap is not about effort or motivation. It is about opportunity. When we create inclusive environments, educate trainers, and design programs around ability rather than limitation, we give everyone the chance to thrive. As parents, we all want the same thing for our kids: to see them healthy, happy, and full of energy. Between busy schedules, school, and activities, nutrition can easily become an afterthought. But the truth is, what our kids eat has a huge impact on how they feel, think, move, and grow. One of the best ways we can support them is by encouraging whole foods and limiting processed ones. This is not about perfection or cutting out every treat. It is about teaching balance, helping our kids understand how food fuels their bodies, and creating habits that last a lifetime. WHAT WHOLE FOODS REALLY MEANWhen I talk about whole foods, I am talking about foods that look like they did when they came from the ground, tree, or farm. Fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, nuts, and seeds are all examples. These foods are packed with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients kids need to grow strong and stay energized. Processed foods, on the other hand, are often altered to last longer or taste better. Think of things like chips, cookies, frozen dinners, and sugary drinks. They are convenient, but they are usually stripped of nutrients and packed with added sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium. It is not that these foods can never be eaten. They just should not be the foundation of your child’s diet. WHY WHOLE FOODS HELP KIDS FEEL BETTERWhole foods provide steady, long-lasting energy. When kids eat foods rich in nutrients and fiber, their blood sugar stays balanced. That means fewer mid-afternoon crashes, fewer emotional ups and downs, and better focus at school and during activities. Processed foods do the opposite. They give a quick burst of energy but burn out fast, leaving kids tired, cranky, and hungry again soon after. That constant cycle of highs and lows can make it harder for them to concentrate and regulate their mood. One of the biggest reasons processed foods lead to overeating is that they often lack fiber and protein, the things that help us feel full. Kids can eat an entire bag of chips and still feel hungry because their bodies did not get what they actually needed. Whole foods, on the other hand, tell the body, “I am satisfied.” EATING THE RAINBOWOne of the simplest ways to encourage healthy eating is to make it colorful. Tell your kids to eat the rainbow. Each color in fruits and vegetables provides different nutrients that help their bodies in unique ways.
Kids often eat with their eyes first. The more colorful the plate, the more fun and inviting it becomes. Let them help pick out fruits and vegetables at the grocery store or farmer’s market. When they take part in the process, they are more likely to try new things. BUILDING A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH FOODHealthy eating should never feel like punishment. Instead of labeling foods as good or bad, focus on how certain foods make them feel. For example, ask questions like:
These small conversations teach kids to listen to their bodies and recognize the difference between fueling up and filling up. Modeling is also powerful. When kids see you enjoying a balanced meal or choosing water over soda, they learn by watching. You do not have to be perfect, just consistent. SIMPLE TIPS FOR PARENTSHere are a few ways to make whole foods easier to include in your family’s routine.
THE BOTTOM LINEHealthy eating is not about perfection. It is about progress and balance. Teaching your kids to choose whole foods and limit processed ones gives them lifelong tools for success. When kids eat foods that truly nourish them, they have more energy to play, learn, and grow. They sleep better, think more clearly, and develop a positive relationship with food that lasts well beyond childhood. As parents, we set the tone. By making small, intentional choices and creating an environment where nutritious food is normal, we help our kids build a foundation for a healthier, happier life. The next time you are packing lunches or planning dinner, think color, think balance, and think long-term. Whole foods are not just good for their bodies. They are the fuel for their confidence, independence, and joy.  When most people think of Parkinson’s Disease, they picture tremors, stiffness, and slow movements. But behind those visible symptoms are complex neurological changes that can deeply affect balance, coordination, mood, and overall quality of life. What’s often overlooked is that exercise is not just beneficial for people with Parkinson’s. It is essential. MOVEMENT AS MEDICINERegular physical activity has been shown to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance in individuals with Parkinson’s. More importantly, it can slow the progression of motor symptoms and enhance brain function. Exercise promotes the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters that support movement and mood, both of which are significantly impacted by Parkinson’s. Activities like resistance training, cycling, and balance-based exercises help strengthen neural connections that support motor control. For many of our clients, this means walking with greater confidence, reducing their risk of falls, and maintaining independence for longer periods of time. THE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITSExercise does not just strengthen the body. It empowers the mind. Individuals with Parkinson’s often experience depression and anxiety due to the progressive nature of the disease. Structured, purposeful movement provides a sense of control and accomplishment that can help combat those feelings. At Specialty Athletic Training, we focus on celebrating small wins, from improving grip strength to completing a new movement pattern. Each achievement builds confidence and reinforces the belief that their effort matters. WHY SPECIALIZED TRAINING MATTERSEvery person with Parkinson’s experiences the disease differently. That is why individualized programming is so important. Our trainers design workouts that account for tremors, fatigue, and postural changes while emphasizing safety and adaptability. We also prioritize an encouraging environment where clients feel supported and respected. Whether that means adjusting a session in the moment or celebrating every rep, our goal is to create a space where exercise feels empowering and accessible. MOVING TOWARD INDEPENDENCEThe ultimate goal is not perfection. It is preserving independence. Exercise gives people with Parkinson’s the tools to navigate daily life with greater ease, confidence, and dignity. It improves mobility, enhances cognitive function, and promotes overall well-being. At Specialty Athletic Training, we believe movement represents freedom. Every session is an opportunity to build strength, restore confidence, and remind our clients that Parkinson’s does not define them. Their perseverance does.  We're thrilled to share exciting news that expands access to fitness for the disability community: Trillium Community Health Plan has officially approved the Flex Fund request for Specialty Athletic Training services! This means that families with Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage through Trillium can now fully cover the cost of training, removing one of the biggest barriers to accessing inclusive, specialized fitness programming. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FAMILIESFor many families, cost has been a major hurdle to providing consistent exercise opportunities for their loved ones. With Trillium's approval, that barrier is gone. This new funding option allows individuals with disabilities to participate in our personalized training programs without paying out of pocket. WHY THIS MATTERSAt Specialty Athletic Training, we believe everyone deserves the right to be fit. Exercise isn't just about building muscle; it's about building confidence, promoting mental well-being, improving daily function, and creating a sense of belonging. Trillium's decision reflects growing recognition that fitness is a vital part of overall health and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. By covering these services, they're helping make inclusion a reality, not just a talking point, and a proactive healthcare approach. MAKING FITNESS ACCESSIBLE FOR ALLThis is a huge step forward in making fitness truly accessible in Oregon. If you have any questions about how to apply or want to learn more about this funding option, don't hesitate to contact us directly. We're here to help every step of the way!  |
About the AuthorRyan Lockard, CSCS*D, CSPS*D is the Founder and CEO of Specialty Athletic Training. He is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Certified Special Populations Specialist. Lockard is currently the NSCA Oregon State Director and has served on numerous non-profit boards serving the disability community, including the Autism Society of America.
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