Children With Disabilities

At My Gym, we strive to provide an environment where the activities, equipment, instruction, and nurturing interaction are available and accessible to all children, regardless of gender, size, economic status, or physical or cognitive capability. We also understand that our program and gym may create an ideal therapeutic environment. We welcome people with disabilities, be it physical, cognitive, behavioral, or sensory. 

All children deserve and can benefit from My Gym. We want to give all children that opportunity. 

We understand that it is often the goal of parents and support persons to mainstream or assimilate their child with special needs into programs. In many instances, this will be possible and is welcome. Unfortunately, it may not always be possible within the My Gym model. We are committed to working with you and collectively determining if My Gym is the perfect fit. 

My Gym programs and equipment are not specifically designed for people with disabilities. 
Within reason, and as long as it does not put any child’s safety at risk, we may be able to plan for alternate activities or movements that match the child’s capabilities. For example,

• If a child is physically unable to hang, we can mimic the feeling of hanging with the teacher or aid supporting the child’s weight.
  
• If a child has a fear of heights or is unable to support their own weight, we can alter a goal, such as to touch the top of the climber vs climb over the climber.  
• If a child is unable to match the development level of other children their age, we may allow for them to remain enrolled in a younger class. For example, it might be best for child age six (typically in Ninja) to enroll/remain in the Ninja Jr class. 
• In any case, the child’s parent or aid will need to be relied upon to advise on adaptations that are appropriate. 

My Gym teachers are not trained physical therapists.
For this reason, we always require a parent, guardian, or aid to accompany the child with special needs in our facility. Initially, the guardian will be required to be on the floor with the child at all times. We will work together, if appropriate, to set goals for when the guardian may be able to separate from the child. Though, it may be necessary for the guardian to remain on the floor for the child’s entire enrollment. In either case, a guardian must always be present. 

Our commitment to you.
When it is identified that your child may have a disability, we will design a plan with you on how to work with your child. The plan will include the goals for the child and you, the current progress, and any techniques that have been effective. In all cases, this will require your physical engagement on the floor initially. We will keep notes so we can pick up week over week, even if the teacher is different for that week. 

Our expectations of you. 

• Be open and honest with us about what is working and what isn’t. 
• Participate in a quick sync-up before and after class to review the plan and next steps. 
• Be actively engaged with your child during the class to ensure they are following instructions or modifications are appropriately implemented. 
• Do not leave your child alone until it is mutually agreed to be appropriate.