Nov. 8, 2005
Contact: Gordon Ovenshine 724-738-4854; gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
SRU STUDENT-ADVOCATES FOR THOSE WITH
DISABILITIES TO ATTEND CONFERENCE, MEET WITH HARRISBURG LAWMAKERS
NOV. 14-15
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Eight students in
Slippery Rock University’s Adapted Physical Activity Program
travel to Harrisburg Nov. 14-15 to attend an advocacy conference
that includes a meeting with state lawmakers to discuss the
importance of providing physical activity opportunities for those
with disabilities.
SRU’s Adapted Physical Activity Program
specializes in preparing graduates for work with special
populations, and the Butler County university offers a number of
adapted fitness programs open to community residents, including
swimming and horseback riding.
SRU’s Dr. Robert Arnhold, professor
of exercise and rehabilitative sciences, obtained an $8,337 grant
from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council to pay the
students’ expenses. They will participate in the Pennsylvania
Student Leadership Conference on Advocacy on Nov. 14. The
conference focuses on student training and will include an
examination of how laws get made and how laws affect the lives of
people with disabilities.
The next day, students will meet with state
representatives from their home districts, including Pittsburgh,
Erie and Grove City, to discuss the value of physical activity
participation for those with disabilities.
“Physical fitness is an important
component of total wellness and a form of preventative
medicine,” Arnhold said. “Students are going to
Harrisburg to urge lawmakers to support university and community
programs that include those with special needs. They are passionate
about helping people to reach their full
potential.”
Adapted physical activity is a 27-credit
minor with 120 students enrolled at SRU. Courses include
“Equine Facilited Riding,” “Therapeutic
Exercise,” “Sport and Disability” and the
capstone course “Professional Affiliation in Adapted Physical
Activity.” It is the one of the largest programs of its
kind in the nation.
Among the students going to Harrisburg
are:
Diana Helt of Ross
Alicia Dixon of Cresson
Rose Schiavone of Mount Pleasant, Ill.
Ashley Goodwill of Corry
Steven Midlik of Lemont Furnace
Aaron Smith of Grove City