How to support a wheelchair user in group exercise classes 

Will my class be appropriate for them? Will they be able to access the class and the building without issue? How do I prepare for their attendance?

Ella Beaumont, Founder of Ellabeept, shares her insight and knowledge into how you can make your classes more approachable and more accommodating of wheelchair users.

Where do I start?

The first thing, Ella says, is that you shouldn’t assume what somebody can or can’t do because they use a wheelchair. Wheelchair users have hugely different abilities, bodies, experiences and reasons for using a wheelchair.

As a number one rule, I always start by speaking to the participant themselves as they are an expert in their own body and know their body best. For example, you could ask them questions such as; “Is there anything you’d like me to know? or any adaptations that work well for you?”

Also, consider the whole experience, not just the exercise: Can they physically enter the building? Is there an accessible toilet? Is there enough space to manoeuvre and participate? Can equipment be reached? Can they see and hear the instructor?

How do I teach or coach a wheelchair user?

From a teaching/coaching perspective, Ella suggests that you think about the purpose of the movement rather than trying to replicate its exact technique. If a certain movement that isn’t appropriate for that client or participant, then ask what you’re trying to achieve. Is it cardiovascular intensity, coordination, upper-body strength, mobility, rhythm? Then offer another route to the same intention.

Importantly, don’t turn one participant into a spectacle by constantly announcing their alternative to the room. Ideally, teach options to everybody: “You could do this seated or standing; smaller or bigger; slower or faster.” Choice benefits and includes everyone.

What do I need to consider about the venue?

People often think accessibility begins and ends with a ramp or accessible entrance. In reality, there can be many barriers throughout the participant’s journey.

Things that are easily overlooked include heavy doors, steps or door thresholds, narrow corridors, inaccessible changing rooms, lifts that are out of service, equipment blocking routes, reception desks that are difficult to use, and accessible toilets being used for storage.

Parking and the route from parking or public transport to the studio matter too. A venue might describe itself as accessible because the studio itself is step-free, while getting from the entrance to that studio is much more complicated.

There are also accessibility issues that aren’t physical. Lighting, acoustics, background music, signage, instructions, booking systems and communication can create barriers for people with sensory, cognitive or communication access needs.

What is one of the major barriers to accessibility in a venue or gym?

A barrier that can easily be overlooked is a lack of education and knowledge about disability. A venue can be physically accessible, but if instructors, reception staff or other team members don’t have the confidence or understanding to support disabled people, the experience can still be inaccessible.

That might show up through making assumptions about what somebody can or can’t do, not knowing how to communicate about access requirements, or being unsure how to make reasonable adjustments.

I think that’s why disability awareness and accessibility education need to sit alongside physical accessibility. Staff don’t need to know everything about every disability, but they should have enough understanding to feel comfortable asking appropriate questions, listening to the individual and responding to their needs rather than making assumptions.

One of the best things an instructor or venue can do is actually experience the whole participant journey: from finding information and booking, through arriving at the venue, finding the room, participating and leaving. And at each stage, think about both the physical barriers and the human ones.

When promoting my classes, what should I include to make my accessibility accommodations visible for wheelchair users?

When promoting your class, I personally would prioritise:

Physical access: Is there step-free access? Where is the accessible entrance? Is there a lift if required? Is there accessible parking? Are accessible toilets/changing facilities available?

What the class actually involves: Rather than simply saying “accessible” or “suitable for all”, explain the format – whether exercises can be performed seated, whether participants move between the floor and standing, what equipment is used, the intensity and whether different options are offered.

What can I do for wheelchair users before they even get to my class?

A clear way to discuss access requirements before attending: Give people a named contact or straightforward way to ask questions, ideally without making them feel as though they have to justify or disclose their disability ahead of attending the class.

The important thing is giving specific information rather than making a generalised claim that a class is accessible. What is accessible to one person may not be accessible to another, so be specific.