Xcessible Gym

The Xcessible Gym initiative, a collaborative effort between Laois Sports Partnership and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), is breaking down barriers to physical activity for people with disabilities. By creating a fully accessible gym environment led by individuals with disabilities, the project has transformed lives, with participants experiencing improved mobility and overall wellbeing.

1. Establishment of a thriving hub for physical activity for people with disabilities, attracting approximately 40 users weekly. Participants have reported significant improvements in mobility and overall well-being.
2. Employment opportunities created for individuals involved in setting up the gym, with one individual now employed by the IWA, another volunteering at the gym, and a third beginning a Community Employment scheme in 2024.
3. Recognition and support from the Health Service Executive (HSE), with public health nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists utilizing the gym to develop tailored exercise programs for patients with physical disabilities, thereby promoting its use for rehabilitation and health promotion.

1. Extending opening hours to include Saturdays, expanding accessibility, and accommodating more users.
2. Establishing connections with intellectual disability services to encourage weekend gym use.
3. Identifying a larger venue within the same campus to accommodate increased demand and support more individuals simultaneously.

By empowering individuals with disabilities to identify their own needs and actively participate in the project, Laois Sports Partnership employed a community development approach that proved instrumental to its success.

Testimonials from participants highlight the transformative impact of the gym on their lives, emphasizing improvements in mobility, mental health, and overall quality of life. The inclusive and supportive atmosphere of the gym fosters camaraderie and encourages progress among users.

The initiative’s inauguration in May 2023 marked a significant milestone, with funding from Sport Ireland Dormant Account Capital Project facilitating the establishment of the accessible gym. The event showcased not only the new equipment but also various activities available to IWA users, illustrating the vibrant community and inclusive environment fostered by the initiative.

Collaboration with local agencies and stakeholders, including Laois County Council, Health Service Executive, and Laois Partnership, has been vital in expanding services and promoting inclusion. The gym serves not only as a fitness facility but also as a symbol of empowerment, breaking down barriers and promoting active and healthy lifestyles for individuals with disabilities.

In addition to the gym, Laois Sports Partnership has invested in other inclusive physical activity equipment, such as accessible bikes, further enhancing opportunities for individuals of all abilities to engage in physical activity and recreation. Active Disability Ireland’s contribution of Active Hands Kits further enhances accessibility, enabling individuals with limited hand function to participate fully in gym activities.

Overall, the collaborative efforts of Laois Sports Partnership, the Irish Wheelchair Association, and various stakeholders have resulted in the creation of a transformative initiative that promotes inclusivity, empowerment, and well-being for individuals with physical disabilities in Laois and beyond.