• AT Equipment Loan & Reutilization Programs
• The Goodwill Fitness Center

AT Equipment Loan & Reutilization Programs

California Assistive Technology Exchange (CATE) program is under way. California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is pleased to announce grants awarded to 10 Community Based Organizations (CBO’s).

This is an opportunity for two departments, the Center on Disabilities and the National Center on Deafness to lead the project: California Assistive Technology Exchange (CATE) to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Under the grant, the university will manage three programs: an AT Device Loan Program (borrow-a-device) and an AT Loan Reutilization Program (a consumer web site, i.e., craigslist, to sell used equipment), which are both supported through federal grant funds. The third program is an AT and Transportation Loan Guarantee Program (funds for purchase), which is supported solely through state funds. The university will work with the 10 community-based organizations across the state to ensure that Californians with disabilities are informed about the programs and have access to them. For more information visit please visit the CATE's website at http://cate.ca.gov/.

THE GOODWILL FITNESS CENTER

Lifting Weights...and Barriers

Wow—that’s what comes to mind walking into the Goodwill Fitness Center. Wow and double-wow because the Fitness Center is beyond my wildest expectations. The Center—created, funded and recently opened by Goodwill of Orange County—is located in Santa Ana, California. My guide is Gregory Mathes, Director of Special Projects & Program Development (and member of the AT Network). Gregory also directs the Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC) which has recently relocated its offices to the second floor of the Goodwill Center. In additional to being an Alliance for Technology Access Center, ATEC is also one of California’s 13 CATE Device Loan programs. With ATEC and the Goodwill Fitness Center in one location it’s a match made in, well, Orange County.

The Fitness Center reflects the vision that every person, regardless of physical disability or health status, can benefit from a comprehensive exercise program. There are an estimated 70,000 people in Orange County living with physical disabilities and the Center was created to fill the gap and provide what conventional fitness centers don’t.

The Center is welcoming and spacious filling 12,000 square-feet and featuring a complete—and I mean complete—line of premium accessible exercise equipment including an array of Cybex Total Access, SCIFIT and Star Trak equipment. Did I mention the free-weights and yoga workout rooms? Or the Internet Café for breaks and social networking? This Fitness Center has it all.

The equipment has been designed with special features, such as seats that swing out of the way so workouts can be done from a wheelchair. Other features that can be found on the Cybex equipment include, lower weight stacks than standard gym machines, easy to ready text, and contrasting colors on equipment for increased access and safety.

Every corner I turn there’s another room filled with adapted exercise equipment. The Center was designed for people with a number of disabilities or chronic illnesses including: Spinal Cord Injury, Cardiovascular Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Hypertension, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, High Cholesterol, Asthma, Stroke Rehabilitation, Joint Replacement, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Cancer, Deafness, Blindness, Obesity, Amputations, Parkinson’ Disease, Fibromyalgia, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and the list goes on.

At a cost of $7 million, no corners have been cut, the Center is definitely first class by any standard. To qualify for membership at the Goodwill Fitness Center, you must have a medically diagnosable disability and a medical release form signed by your physician authorizing you to participate in an exercise program.

After an initial fitness assessment, one of the Center’s highly trainer personal trainers will work with you to develop an exercise program based on your individual capabilities and goals. One your program is established, you are encouraged to be independent in working out. Fitness trainers circulate the gym floor area offering support, in needed.

Check out the YouTube video highlighting The Goodwill Fitness Facility at:



If you would like more information about the Goodwill Fitness Center and how to be come a member, visit the website at www.ocgoodwill-fitnesscenter.org or contact 1-889-OCFITCENTER (888-623-4823).

The Goodwill Fitness Center
1601 East St. Andrews Place
Santa Ana, CA 92704