Lakeshore Foundation: A leader in advocacy, programming, and research in adapted physical activity

The Lakeshore Foundation is an organization aimed instilling lifelong wellness in people with disabilities and those with chronic health conditions through a variety of means. The organization provides its members opportunities both within their Birmingham, Alabama facility and out in their respective communities to learn and practice physical activities, sports, and recreational activities. I had the chance to interview two people directly involved in the Lakeshore Foundation.  Beth Curry is the Chief Program Officer and works with the physical activity programs. Beth earned her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1984 before pursuing a career in healthcare. The other interviewee is Lisa Hillborn, who serves as the director or recreation and athletics. Within the interview we discuss how the Lakeshore Foundation came to be, how they work with adapted physical activity specialists throughout the nation, their involvement with the Olympics and Paralympics, and their endeavors in advocacy and research.

 The Lakeshore Foundation serves more that 4000 people with disabilities and chronic health conditions per year. Some of the activities they offer include aquatics, fitness, recreation and leisure sports, as well as services for military members who have sustained physical injuries. Their Birmingham facility also hosts U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls in their training. In addition, Lakeshore is a world leader in research, and has partnered with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The research they conduct focuses on improving quality of life for those with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Some of their research focus is on rehabilitation and sport science research, but also includes research in policy and service efforts for the people they serve. Lakeshore also seeks to promote public awareness for their members, particularly through influencing policy makers to implement changes that better reflect the wants and needs of their members. They are vested in local, national, and global initiatives, from providing durable medical equipment access locally to the rights of persons with disabilities in sports globally. These initiatives have also made them a world leader in advocacy for those whom they serve.

For more information about the Lakeshore Foundation and the services they offer, you can visit their website at: http://www.lakeshore.org

An Additional Podcast on Assistive Technology and APE

I had the opportunity to be a guest on episode #398 of the Assisted Technology Update. This podcast is hosted by Josh Anderson, with the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis, Indiana, which discusses new technology coming out for assistive purposes. In this podcast, I was able to discuss my background in APE and the podcast What’s New in APE. I also talk about what APE is, why it is important, what it takes to be qualified to teach APE, and a general overview on the state of APE in the United States. In relation to adapted technology, I discuss technology and assistive devices that APE teachers can use with students, and why these devices are important. Other topics on this podcast include a glove designed to interpret sign language, and a conversation about the five finalists in the global mobility limited challenge.

To listen to more Assisted Technology Update podcasts, visit: https://www.eastersealstech.com/category/assistive-tech-update/

If you’re interested in learning more about the Easter Seals Tech and the services they offer, visit their website at: https://www.eastersealstech.com