Program areas at Lakeshore Foundation
Fitness, personal training and aquatics - Lakeshore Foundation offers more than 60 fitness and aquatics classes specifically designed for persons with a wide range of physical disabilities and chronic health conditions seeking a lifelong path to wellness. Lakeshore also provides an opportunity for self-directed, individual fitness and aquatics workouts, as well as fee-based personal training services. Lakeshore life, a comprehensive health promotion initiative, includes nutrition education and empowers individuals to take personal ownership of health and wellness choices. In 2022 the suite of virtual programs was extended allowing membership opportunities to a broader audience delivering valuable wellness programs.
Research - Lakeshore conducts applied research and program evaluation on the effectiveness of physical activity programs in promoting health and quality of life, improving functional independence, and preventing secondary conditions in people with physical disabilities. Our research activities include physiological testing, qualitative studies, and program evaluation. Research identifies ways to improve health related quality of life, reduce secondary health conditions, and increase community participation. Innovative technology is also being utilized to improve access to fitness. Through professional publications, conferences and collaborative efforts, evidence-based programs and models in physical activity for people with physical disability are shared worldwide.
Recreation, athletics, military and training site programs - Lakeshore Foundation offers year-round activities for children and adults with physical disabilities including recreational programs, athletic teams and local, regional, national and international athletic events that provide an outlet for competitive drive and contribute to participants' health and well-being. This includes high performance camps for usa wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, paralyzed veterans of america and local children's summer camps. Our work with veterans also expanded in 2022 to include health and wellness options for all local Alabama veterans and their families.
Advocacy and policy - Lakeshore Foundation works to reduce health disparities and supports the achievement of optimal health by people with physical disability and chronic health conditions by ensuring people with disability gain access to health promoting resources and receive the right support and services, at the right time, in the right setting. Lakeshore's community health efforts locally, nationally and globally address barriers that prevent people with disability from maximum participation in society.