Adaptive Physical Education

Specialties

Adaptive Physical Education is a fitness and wellness program designed for adults of all ability levels, particularly seniors and boomers, with physical disabilities or health limitations. Our goal is to improve and maintain the health and well-​being of adults who wish to remain independent in their lives. We do this in a comfortable, community setting by making improvements in cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, with a special emphasis on fall prevention.

Adaptive Physical Education fills a unique niche, in that it serves mostly senior adults who have either been diagnosed with a medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis, completed all the necessary rehabilitation provided after a stroke or joint replacement surgery, or are trying to prevent the onset or recurrence of any of the above and maintain or improve current levels of health and stability.

Our program includes trainers that assess each new client and help them to develop a personal training program using adaptive techniques, specialized equipment, and individualized assistance. Each participant can progress at his/​her own pace in a supportive, safe environment where they will not feel intimidated or compared to their classmates. An important component of the group class is social interaction and camaraderie.

History

Established in 1989.

The Adaptive Physical Education Program, previously sponsored by Canada College for over twenty years, was eliminated in June 2010 due to the state budget crisis. With the on-​going support of the Sequoia Healthcare District, Kaiser Permanente, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and the Redwood City Veterans Memorial Senior Center, this program has been able to continue its services to the active aging population.

Meet the Manager

Barbara M., M.A., R.K.T. -.

Manager

Barbara graduated from San Francisco State University with Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Adaptive P.E., as well as a certificate in Kinesiotherapy from San Jose State. She started working in 1977 as an assistant in the Foothill College Adaptive P.E. program which was located at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto. In 1981, Barbara became the full-​time Adaptive P.E. instructor at Cañada College. In 1989, the program expanded its classroom space into the Veterans Memorial Senior Center to meet the growing need in the community. In May, 2010, after 29 years, Barbara retired from the College. Her plan was to continue offering this program with the support of the VMSC and the Sequoia Healthcare District. Barbara believes that fitness and movement are necessary components of daily life. She has derived great satisfaction from working with individuals who have no other opportunities for participation in fitness classes.