TSC Talks! Major Motivators! Spectrum Sports~Sports&Fitness Programs for Autism, IDD,&More - a podcast by Jill Woodworth

The Spectrum Sports team is comprised of Dan Minko, Lisa Faracchio and James Paoletti, all involved in special education in some capacity in their local NJ high school. They got together to form Spectrum Sports. All are passionate about fitness and exercise, and being keenly aware of the challenges their students had accessing more typical opportunities for sports engagement in their local school district, they launched their business.

"Spectrum Sports is an exercise program for individuals with disabilities such as Autism, Asperger's, Down Syndrome, and other multiple disabilities. We provide exercise through various sports, games, and group fitness. Our qualified team offers several activities that provide unique individuals, and their families, with fun and exercise in a judgment-free zone."

Since launching, they've had huge success and have expanded their programming to include different age groups and methods of delivery. What I loved about this team is they are truly focused on making everyone's experience with sports and fitness related activities a positive one. They assess each participant, get some history as to challenges and strengths and find a way to engage them on an individual and group level. Finding the balance between motivating and provoking anxiety and resistance can be tough but through humor, individualized approach and incredible encouragement, they've been able to be hugely successful. As their business grows, it's part of their vision to open their own facility and expand the scope of programming. They work to keep costs low and hope to continue to do so.

From their site: We divide our program into two categories – passive and active – to let athletes learn at a comfortable pace. Our active group jumps right into competition, while our passive group works on motor skills to develop and strengthen their muscle movements. We offer various sports, collaborative games, group exercise and more! We now offer sessions for kids aged 5-11 as well as for kids aged 12+. Spectrum Sports was created because there are so many disorders and disabilities prevalent in today’s society; however, there are no places that offer these special groups of people and their families a place where they can exercise, play games, and socialize with similar individuals or families. Simply put, Spectrum Sports wants to get people with special needs active. We simply offer various activities and games that get people with special needs on their feet and moving. We will be teaching and play various sports and games such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis baseball, whiffle ball, kickball, obstacle courses. We will also be running group exercise like Zumba and P90X."

I was honored to meet this team of passionate, purposeful individuals working to improve the quality of life for those with special needs through sports & fitness. Motivating neurodiverse individuals who have already had negative experiences with more typical programming and showing them the joys and rewards of physical activity, is much needed in our society and hearing about those programs out there making a difference is truly needed and inspiring!

Links:
Website: https://spectrumsportsnj.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectrumsports3/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpectrumSports8
https://www.instagram.com/spectrumsports3/
https://www.camdencounty.com/event/spectrum-sports-6/

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