Welcome
Thank you for engaging in our online training about inclusive fitness for individuals with physical disabilities.
About this training
This training equips fitness professionals with practical strategies for creating inclusive exercise experiences for individuals with physical disabilities or functional limitations. Co-hosted by experts with both lived and practical experience, these modules will provide actionable insights that benefit all clients—because inclusion strengthens the entire fitness community.
Asynchronous training modules covering key topics include:
✅ Effective communication strategies
✅ Inclusive and accessible environments
✅ Inclusive exercise approaches
Instructions
To register for this free training, follow the link below and complete the short survey. After completing the survey, you will receive an email with information on how to access the training. Your answers to this survey are being used for monitoring purposes.
Presenters
Dr. Jasmin Ma
Dr. Jasmin Ma is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, a Clinician Investigator with Arthritis Research Canada, and an Investigator with the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries. As a UBC Knowledge Mobilization Scholar, she bridges her expertise as a kinesiologist and researcher to collaborate with clinicians and community members, expanding physical activity opportunities for individuals with diverse physical abilities.
She leads the Movement 4 All (M4A) Lab, which focuses on 1) training health and exercise professionals to integrate inclusive physical activity into health and community care and 2) supporting strength training behavior change for people with chronic disease and disability, particularly those with spinal cord dysfunction and rheumatoid arthritis.
Teri Thorson
Teri Thorson was a support technician for a computer software company and professional dancer before a 1996 motor vehicle crash in Australia left her a quadriplegic. With determination and support from friends, family and co-workers Teri was able to go back to work, become a Manager of the Technical Division and achieve her own personal independence. In 2002 she discovered wheelchair racing. Within the span of 2 years she returned to Australia to focus on full-time training and made the Canadian National Team. Her dedication was rewarded by being able to compete at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games in the 400m track event where she made the finals.
Currently, Teri is the manager of Peer Coaching and Outreach and Spinal Cord Injury BC. She helped co-create a physical activity counselling process to help individuals stay active during the transition from rehabilitation to community. Teri lives in North Vancouver with her partner and her son. She is a board member of BC Wheelchair Sports, Vice President of the WC Race Series and a Rick Hansen Foundation ambassador. She continues in sport as a recreational wheelchair rugby athlete and has a fashion design/image consultant business.
Rod Bitz
Rod was raised in Saskatchewan and, after sustaining a C7 spinal cord injury, has spent his adult life in Vancouver. He has been deeply involved in the disability community through roles with BC Wheelchair Sports, the City of Surrey, the Disability Foundation’s ConnecTra Society, and most recently, the Rick Hansen Foundation, where he earned his RHFAC designation and conducts accessibility assessments of the built environment. Currently, Rod is the Peer Support Coordinator for SCI BC in Greater Vancouver, where he is passionate about helping others with spinal cord injuries reengage with life and community. He is also a fitness leaders with the City Surrey Parks and Recreation. A dedicated volunteer and advocate, Rod also enjoys staying active, living a healthy lifestyle, and cheering on his favorite hockey and football teams.
Eileen Davidson
Eileen Davidson, also known as Chronic Eileen, is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate, writer, speaker, consultant, and content creator based in Vancouver, Canada. Living with autoimmune disease since her diagnosis, Eileen launched her blog in 2017 to share her journey and raise awareness about arthritis through advocacy, education, and inspiration. She contributes regularly to outlets such as Creaky Joints, Healthline’s Bezzy RA, and Arthritis Research Canada, where she also serves as Patient Chair of the quarterly newsletter. Eileen holds volunteer roles with the Arthritis Research Canada Patient Advisory Board, The Arthritis Society, Patient Voice, and the Doctors of BC Shared Care Chronic Pain Advisory Committee. She is also an Educational Media Assistant with the International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis and leads the Arthritis Social Hour support group in Vancouver. When not advocating or writing, she enjoys life as a proud mom to her son, Jacob.
Grace Schouten
Grace Schouten is a fourth year UBC kinesiology student. She pursues inclusion and accessibility in all areas of her work and studies. This paired with her excitement for movement has led her to become an undergraduate research student in the Movement for All lab led by Dr. Jasmin Ma where she has enjoyed learning about collaborative projects and knowledge translation. After graduating this spring, Grace will return to UBC for her Master of Occupational Therapy.