InstructAbility wins Special Populations Training Programme of the Year
Aspire and YMCAfit are delighted that the InstructAbility programme, funded by Sport England, has received Special Populations Training Programme of the Year Award from ukactive and CIMSPA. The award reinforces the notion that disabled people who have experienced disability themselves are often best placed to understand and support this special population to reach their health and fitness goals.
150 of the industry’s top training companies, employers, colleagues, higher education providers and commercial vocational providers gathered together on Thursday 27 November at the inaugural Active Training Awards Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Marlow to recognise and toast exceptional performance and commitment to workforce development within the physical activity sector.
The Awards, sponsored by Active IQ, follow a rigorous three stage assessment process comprising an initial submission and feedback from learners. Current and past students responded to the survey that asked them about how the programme supported their ability to work with disabled people in a gym setting and how their role fitted into the professional landscape.
The final stage included a presentation to a panel of experts from a diverse range of sectors, all sharing a common focus on education and training. Project Manager, Hilary Farmiloe and InstructAbility graduate Andrew Jackson-Shaw presented to the expert judges, Dr. Chris Beedie from the ukactive Research Institute and Prof. Gavin Sandercock of the University of Essex. Andrew, who has a spinal injury gave an inspiring presentation to the judges about his own experience of disability and how he is now supporting other spinally injured patients in exercise sessions at Stoke Mandeville.
Dan Rees, Head of YMCAfit says:
“Having worked with Aspire for the last 2 years this award recognises the hard work and effort that both Aspire and YMCAfit perform to deliver such an inspirational programme. YMCAfit are proud to be working in partnership with Aspire delivering training courses for the disabled population, helping to engage with, and educate our learners, enabling positive outcomes for all; and we are honoured that UK Active and CIMSPA has recognised this through the presentation of this award.”
Hilary Farmiloe, National Manager of the InstructAbility programme says:
“This award belongs to many people; the project team at Aspire and YMCAfit who work tirelessly to achieve successful outcomes, our students who responded to the survey and the brilliant work they are doing to support the industry to become more inclusive and of course our industry partners who offer work placements and employment. Basing our students within the industry is an integral part of the project and without the engagement and support from leisure operators InstructAbility would not exist.”
Photograph: Left to right
Tara Dillon (COO CIMSPA)
Hilary Farmiloe (InstructAbility National Project Manager, Aspire)
David Stalker (CEO UKActive)
Tasha Webster (Director of Operations, Aspire)
Jenny Patrickson (Active IQ)
