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.

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

• Application and Participation Agreement Form

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.)

As a community partner, you are a valued member of the IMPACT for Life team. Examples of ways in which you can be supported by IMPACT for Life include:

• On-site support from IMPACT for Life staff and volunteers
• Staff disability and adapted programming training
• Access to resources for including adults with disabilities (e.g. teaching strategies, equipment)
• Marketing strategies for including and targeting disability populations
• Evaluation of ADA accessibility with recommendations for accommodations

Current community partners

• Crossfit Train 97333
• SamFit
• Samaritan Athletic Medicine Center (The SAM)
• Osborn Aquatic Center
• Arc Benton County
• Trysting Tree Golf Club

Read the IMPACT for Life Summer 2018 Newsletter (pdf) to learn about how these partners are being supported in their development of inclusivity.

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.