Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness provides one of many critical elements in a successful transition to post-secondary activities.  Most of us started our first jobs in gas stations, grocery stores and the like working long hours for a little bit of money.  We didn't plan to stay here, but working in these types of jobs gave us the necessary experience needed to obtain a job we liked better or paid a higher rate.  We probably came home tired from work, and I bet many of you still come home tired from work each day!  Any of us, with or without a disability, benefit from physical fitness whether it is to lower our stress level or to keep up with an active child.  A person with a disability, especially a significant disability, will find that it is easier to perform the necessary job functions in a demanding job with good health and fitness.  Starting out, standing for six hours a day is a formidable task, especially if the student is not used to being active.  It may be harder to find an exercise program for a person with significant disabilities, but I believe it is essential to success.  If a student can't perform consistently for a few hours at a time, that student is less likely to hold competitive employment.  Think about it...if you were the hiring manager, you would want to hire people who could perform the task at hand successfully for a sustained period of time.  Physical fitness provides a competitive edge over those without a strong exercise program.

You can tailor the exercise program to individual needs.  Work with your PT or OT specialist.  Go for regular walks or play active games, but encourage students to maintain a high level of physical fitness at whatever level they can successfully manage.  Moods will improve, and you've just made an investment in the future!