Costco Connection

Gyms, clubs and recreation centers

The Costco warehouse in Orem, Utah, boasts a
celebrity jock of its own. When Josh Wheeler is not
helping customers in electronics, he is often honing
his skills as a Paralympian on the U.S. Wheelchair
Rugby Team. Wheelchair rugby packs as much
speed, excitement and rough play as football, since
contact is an integral part of the game. Wheeler
practices his moves at a local university basketball
court. But when he wants to get an upper-body
workout at local gyms, “you can’t get at the equip-
ment from a wheelchair,” he says. “I’m quadriplegic,
and even if I transfer myself from the chair to the
small seats on the equipment, I need back support
and the seats don’t have it.”
Bauer says he’s heard similar stories but that
things are changing. “More facilities are realizing
that making reasonable accommodations for dis-
abled clients is good business and actually a way to
attract more customers,” he says.

“More facilities
are realizing
that making
reasonable
accommodations
for disabled
clients is good
business and
actually a way
to attract more
customers.”
—Kirk Bauer

MORE THAN ABLE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

For outdoor adaptive soccer, often played by those missing one or more limbs, players need excellent cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and balance. Indoor adaptive soccer is most often played by users of manual or power wheelchairs, depending on the level of ability.

To participate on the U.S.
Wheelchair Rugby Team,
Costco employee Josh
Wheeler (below) says that
access to
upper-body
equipment
is essential.

LOREN WOR THINGTON

What’s reasonable? According to the ADA, it depends on a variety of factors, including the size and type of the facility, and interpretations are still evolving. At a minimum, it could mean making space for a wheelchair to pass, a toe strap that allows an amputee to use a stationary bicycle or lift-access in a pool for guests who are unable to get in and out of the water unassisted. Some access improvements may be eligible for a federal tax credit or deduction.

What isn’t reasonable is denying fitness opportunities to disabled clients out of the fear they pose an increased liability risk, Bauer says. “The facts don’t back up this fear, and, in any case, many facilities require all of their clients to sign a liability release form as a condition of participation or membership,” he notes.

Some facilities (see “Connections” for resources)

Alpine skiing for the blind or visually impaired includes a sighted guide who describes the surroundings and provides verbal instructions via two-way radio.

have gone beyond ADA requirements to create environments based on principles of universal design. This approach considers how architecture, products and services can be used to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of age or ability. Pools with built-in ramps and exercise equipment with swing-out seats (to accommodate wheelchairs, for example) are among the features that most clients can use.

Bauer agrees there’s a growing acceptance that disability is a part of life and that it doesn’t define individuals, their health or their talents and abilities. He says, “Now let’s provide the tools for people with disabilities to get out there and participate!” C