Ahead of 34th Anniversary of ADA, Duckworth and Casey Renew Push to Make Gyms and Fitness Facilities More Accessible for Americans with Disabilities

July 25, 2024

Ahead of 34th Anniversary of ADA, Duckworth and Casey Renew Push to Make Gyms and Fitness Facilities More Accessible for Americans with Disabilities

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Ahead of the 34^th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), today U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Bob Casey (D-PA) are reintroducing legislation to make gyms and other fitness facilities across America more accessible for those with disabilities. The Exercise and Fitness for All Actof 2024 would authorize the U.S. Access Board-a federal agency that promotes accessibility-to issue new, enforceable guidelines for the first time in 24 years. These guidelines would specify the number and types of accessible equipment that our nation's fitness facilities should have so that all Americans with disabilities have equal access to exercise equipment, fitness classes and training services.

"Nearly 34 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, it's unacceptable that so many in the disability community are barred from doing something as basic as working out at the gym because too many of our nation's fitness facilities are still not accessible," said Duckworth. "With the Paralympic Games this summer, athletes from all over the globe will once again demonstrate the power of accessible fitness on the world stage-and it is past time America leads by example in making it easier for those with disabilities to access our gyms and maintain a fit, healthy lifestyle. My Exercise and Fitness for All Act would do just that by helping establish national accessibility guidelines for our gyms and fitness facilities so that Americans with disabilities can have equal opportunity to use them and live the full, independent lives everyone deserves."

"Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical for all of us, but for many people with disabilities, access to fitness can be the key to living an independent life," said Casey. "Senator Duckworth and I are introducing the Exercise and Fitness for All Act to ensure that gyms and other fitness facilities are more accessible for people with disabilities. I will always fight to make this Nation more accessible and livable for the disability community."

Right now, fitness facilities are required to meet basic accessible design standards, such as providing sufficient space next to each type of exercise equipment so a person in a wheelchair can use it. However, many fitness facilities do not currently meet these standards which have not been updated since 2010.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults living with disabilities experience far higher rates of obesity and chronic disease than nondisabled people. The Exercise and Fitness for All Actof 2024 would modernize and enhance national accessibility guidelines for exercise and fitness facility providers to ensure Americans living with disabilities have the opportunity to work out with accessible equipment. The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Justice to promulgate implementing regulations within 18 months of the Access Board's issuing of its guidelines.

The Exercise and Fitness for All Act of 2024 is supported by Paralympian Matt Scott, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, National Federation of the Blind, Paralyzed Veterans of America and United Spinal Association.

"Senator Duckworth's 'Exercise and Fitness for All' bill ignites a spark of hope for millions," said Matt Scott, a five-time Paralympic gold medalist in Wheelchair Basketball. "It's a bold declaration that physical ability should never be a barrier to a fulfilling, fit and healthy life. By championing this legislation, Senator Duckworth is not just drafting a bill, but writing a new chapter in the story of equality and human potential for all Americans."

Later this summer, Duckworth will lead a Presidential delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on August 28 after being a long-time leader in protecting Americans with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of life. Duckworth authored the ASAP Actprovisionsin the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provide $1.75 billion over the next five years to help build ramps, install elevators and make other improvements to help ensure our nation's transit systems are actually, finally, usable for those with disabilities. Last year, Duckworth helped reintroduce the Reproductive Healthcare Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities-who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care-receive better access to reproductive healthcare and the informed care they need to control their reproductive lives. Duckworth also reintroduced the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help break down the significant barriers that Americans with disabilities continue to face when accessing websites and software applications.

As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation and one of the authors of the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Law, Duckworth successfully secured several provisions that will enhance protections for travelers with disabilities in our aviation system and make it easier for them to fly.

Additionally, as a result of legislation that was passed by Duckworth, the Department of Transportation implemented a new rule requiring air carriers to disclose for the first time how many checked bags, wheelchairs and motorized scooters they damage or mishandle each month.

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