Monash Access Program: breaking barriers and forming communities

Thomas Whitty

Monash Sport fitness centre Caulfield Campus has opened its doors and welcomed the first group of disabled young adults.

Sport is a crucial contributor to good health and is a factor that assists in the social, psychological and physical wellbeing of all individuals. Education, integration and breaking down the social barriers which so often restrict and prejudice the lives of people with disabilities, are also key values which intend to be addressed.

The program is a new initiative spearheaded by fitness coach Tony Fernando, who has had more than twenty years experience in working in the physical education area. Fernando has established a highly energetic exercise program which seeks to challenge the participants mentally and physically.

The program includes warm up stretches, low impact weight movement, cardio work outs and a seven minute relaxation exercise. The session lasts for around forty five minutes, which matches the retention span of an average person with such disabilities.

Fernando believes that this program is groundbreaking because it offers those people who usually do minimal exercise, maximum reward. “The physical side of the program is great, but it’s the mental and social aspect of the exercises that really are effective”, Fernando said.

Jeremy O’Halloran, Monash Sport Caulfield Fitness Centre Coordinator has been the active voice of the initiative. “The program is great because it provides mental and physical accommodation for people with disabilities”. On the exercise program itself, Mr O’Halloran said “it creates confidence and awareness through structured exercise”.

The feedback we received from the participants was also highly positive. “I enjoy doing the exercises, especially when we all are using the weights”. I have more fun now, I go for walks more and I’m at the gym more”, James said. David, another participant said “I love the gym and I love Tony, he has taught me why I should drink more water and exercise more”.

It is hoped that up to six participants from the Monash Access program will be representing Monash University in the Relay For Life, being held on 25 and 26 October at the Duncan MacKinnon Athletics Track.

Monash Sport Caulfield Campus is leading the way in sports and recreation for the disabled, and welcomes all to participate in a great and innovative program.

Session times -
Monday - 10:00 am
Thursday - 5:00 pm
Friday - 1:30 pm
Saturday - 9:00 am