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InstructAbility – Spark of Innovation!

Aspire and YMCAfit were recently awarded the 'Spark of Innovation Award' for InstructAbility project- supporting disabled people to train for a career in the fitness industry. The FLAME Award recognises operators who have “achieved something exciting, new and innovative which not only solves an initial problem but has made a profound impact on the industry”.

To date 28 disabled people have achieved or are working towards a level two fitness instructor qualification. Thirteen organisations, including Virgin Active, GLL and Fusion have taken on InstructAbility graduates for their facilities- some of whom are IFI Mark facilities. The vast majority of students have undertaken a work placement in the fitness sector, contributing to more than 1,300 hours of voluntary service. One in four of the students have gained employment as a result of the programme.

By training disabled people and changing attitudes, the InstructAbility is encouraging greater participation in physical activity by disabled people and also tackling discrimination. A bigger presence of disabled instructors within gyms will develop more role models, which also motivates disabled people to be active.

Case Study- Adrian

One of the many success stories from InstructAbility is Adrian Francis, 34, who joined the programme when he saw it advertised at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. He has a spinal cord injury, has completed his Level 2 qualification, and is currently enjoying a placement at Fitness First in Leyton, London.

 "The course has been a steep learning curve, but it’s been really positive and given me a new injection of life.  I am now taking on classes, covering Personal Training and could even become a disability liaison manager at the gym I am on a placement with".

Are you doing enough to engage with disabled people as members and part of your workforce?

Instructability courses are currently delivered in London and the South East with aspirations to be a national programme. As it grows there will be higher numbers of newly qualified InstructAbility delegates, who will be looking for placement and paid employment opportunities within the leisure industry.

These personal trainers are like a lot of personal trainers and may struggle to find employment in an economically difficult climate, with possible additional disadvantages of searching for employment in an industry that can typically be about body image and perfection.

We are looking for IFI facilities that can provide placement and paid employment opportunities for InstructAbility delegates. If you are interested please email Hilary Farmiloe or call 07917 822977

For more information on the IFI programme, contact Jules Twells or visit our Inclusive Fitness section.