IMPACT for Life
IMPACT for Life is an advocacy and training program.
We support young adults with disabilities to develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to engage in continued lifelong physical activity.
We further support community-based fitness program efforts to include persons with disabilities through community-outreach and education. Each participant receives individualized support from an Oregon State student and works toward active participation in one or more community-based programs.
IMPACT for Life serves a professional development opportunity for Oregon State students. Through our partnerships, students learn first-hand about the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Students build confidence and skills to be advocates and allies in their future professions and communities beyond Oregon State.
Updated August 25, 2025
Hello IMPACT for Life Families!
IMPACT for Life is in the process of transitioning back into the Corvallis community!
While we will continue to offer some sessions at the OSU Dixon Recreation Center with an IMPACT for Life staff member, we are also expanding opportunities for participants to engage in physical activity programming throughout the Corvallis area.
This shift allows for more diverse and inclusive experiences in community-based settings.
Please check back here for updates as we continue to grow and evolve!
Become a new participant
As a participant, you will work towards building the skills, habits and supports necessary to participate in lifelong physical activity within inclusive community settings.
You will work with IMPACT for Life staff and assistants engaging in two hours of physical activity, fitness or sport each week.
As part of the program, you will also work to develop an individualized plan to prepare for continued physical activity beyond IMPACT for Life.
Participant Eligibility overview
- Adult, 21 years or older, with a self-identified disability
- All ability levels and experience with physical activity welcome
- Commitment for one full academic term (ten weeks)
- Commitment to participating in two hours of physical activity, fitness or sport each week in community settings
Getting started
Become an assistant
IMPACT for Life Assistants (IAs) are expected to engage in a minimum of two hours per week of community-based physical activity or exercise programs alongside young adults with disabilities. IAs play a key role in fostering inclusive and meaningful participation by supporting both the participant and the fitness instructor.
This includes collaborating with the program coordinator to identify and implement effective accommodations, modifications, and motivational strategies tailored to each participant’s needs.
This is an exceptional opportunity to build professional skills, learn directly from people with disabilities and apply your course work to real-world experiences.
Assistant eligibility overview
- No experience required
- Commitment for one full academic term (ten weeks)
- Three hours per week
- Two 1-hour sessions per week working with adults with disabilities in community-based programs
- Two written reports per week
- Off-campus (carpooling and public transportation options available)
- Flexible scheduling and class variety (e.g. swimming, Thai Chi, golf, Zumba, CrossFit, etc.)
Assistant Information for IMPACT for Life
To become an IMPACT for Life assistant, please apply through the form on Handshake.
If you prefer to volunteer without receiving credit, email Courtney Jost directly for more information.
Explore other hands-on learning opportunities in kinesiology.
Orientation
The mandatory orientation is the first Friday of the term, 4 – 5 p.m.,
Women’s Building, Room 210.
Become a community partner
As a community partner, you are a valued member of the IMPACT for Life team.
You will collaborate with IMPACT for Life staff to co-create welcoming and accessible physical activity opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
Whether you are a local gym, recreation center, sports club, or wellness organization, your involvement helps foster a more inclusive and active community.
Example of support available to partners:
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On-site support from IMPACT for Life staff and volunteers.
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Staff training in disability awareness and adapted physical activity programming.
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Access to resources for including adults with disabilities (e.g., teaching strategies, equipment).
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Marketing strategies for reaching and engaging disability populations.
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Evaluation of ADA accessibility with recommendations for accommodations.
Current community partners
Read the IMPACT for Life Summer 2018 Newsletter to learn how previous partners were supported in their development of inclusivity.
Contact
IMPACT for Life
123 Women's Building
Corvallis, OR 97331-6802
[email protected]
Courtney Jost, PhD, MPH
IMPACT Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Vision
That adults with disabilities will engage in self-empowered, lifelong physical activity within an inclusive community. That students and community members learn and adopt inclusive practices that promote the health of all individuals in their communities. We envision Corvallis, Oregon as a model for inclusive community physical activity.
Mission statement
To prepare adults with disabilities to actively engage in lifelong physical activity by teaching and developing the skills, habits and supports necessary to do so (e.g. goal-setting, self-advocacy, progress tracking, etc.).
To build confidence, efficacy and cultural responsiveness of Oregon State students to live and work with individuals with disabilities through equitable partnerships with individuals with disabilities and sharing firsthand experiences.
To build and support inclusive practices at community-based physical activity, fitness and sport facilities, while conducting high-quality research on effective inclusion and adapted physical activity practices.
Additional information
Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.