Adult Program Applied Learning Opportunities
Adult Fitness Volunteer
Adult Instructional Programs
Advanced Applied Learning Opportunity
TrailRider Excursion Program (TREP)
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Program
Requirements for Volunteers
Adult Fitness & Lifestyle Program
Adult Fitness Volunteer
The Adult Fitness & Lifestyle Centre, located in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation on the University of Alberta campus, provides structured exercise programs for adults with disabilities under the supervision of adapted fitness instructors.The primary goals are
- to support members as they become knowledgeable and confident with respect to their fitness and lifestyle needs
- and to assist them in the ultimate goal of taking their new skills into the community.
In 1993, with the opening of the Leigh McMillan Fitness Centre in Austin O'Brien High School (6110-95 Ave), The Steadward Centre started extending its programs into the community. Austin O'Brien, and most recently St. Joseph High School (10830-109 St), are now partners in The Steadward Centre's community outreach.
The satellite sites provide the same services and atmosphere as the University centre, while offering a choice in location and an increase in The Steadward Centre’s capacity.
Hours of operation
| University of Alberta location | Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:00am to 7:00pm | Tuesday and Thursday – 10:00am to 1:00pm |
| Satellite sites | Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am to 4:00pm | Tuesday and Thursday - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm |
Volunteers assisting with the Adult Program will have the opportunity to
- Support members with stretching and range of motion activities
- Learn safe techniques for transferring members on and off equipment
- Learn new ways of adapting exercises for all abilities
- Assist with revising and updating individual exercise programs
- Gain experience working one on one with people with various disabilities
- Learn about and assist with fitness assessments
- Learn how to set up adapted fitness equipment
Adult Instructional Programs
The Steadward Centre offers a variety of instructional programs throughout the year for all members, including Austin O’Brien and St. Joseph Satellite Facilities. These programs, such as ‘Water In Motion’, are provided once a week for ten weeks, to one day workshops that provide our members with valuable knowledge about active living and healthy choices.Volunteers assisting with Adult Activity Programs will have the opportunity to:
- Develop leadership skills through program delivery
- Gain experience facilitating group activities for individuals with a range of abilities
- Present new ideas and assist with developing innovative programs
- Assist with planning and implementing current activity programs
- Provide members with valuable learning and fitness experiences
Advanced Applied Learning Opportunity
An Applied Learning Opportunity will be available for experienced volunteers who have previously assisted in our Adult Fitness or Adult Activity Programs. This applied learning experience will allow qualified volunteers to advance their skills in areas such as program development and implementation for adult members.Volunteers in this area will have the opportunity to:
- Develop, adapt and implement innovative group programs for TSC members with the assistance of TSC staff
- Provide TSC members with valuable learning experiences and understanding for active living through pilot programs. This would include 10 week session activities and brief informational health and wellness workshops
- Be part of a unique learning opportunity and have the chance to network with professionals within their field of study
- Gain advanced hands on experience adapting activities that will be inclusive for all abilities, build on leadership skills, and further increase knowledge of various disabilities and physical activity.
TrailRider Excursion Program (TREP)
TREP is an outdoor adventure program that uses a TrailRider, an adapted hiking device to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to explore the outdoors. This modified chair is mounted on a single wheel and powered by two to four able-bodied volunteers, called “sherpas”. The primary goals of the program are to provide persons with disabilities with an exciting outdoor experience and to expose members of the Edmonton community to the river valley trail system and beyond. This program runs during the spring and summer.Volunteers assisting as sherpas will have the opportunity to:
- Learn safe techniques for transferring riders to and from the TrailRider
- Gain an understanding of what it means to hike the Edmonton river valley with a disability
- Assist with developing a trail rating system to help with planning future hikes
- Learn about adapted outdoor equipment for people with disabilities
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Program
The FES program provides individuals with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and stroke with the most modern scientific advances available in order for them to engage in physical activity and experience the benefits associated with regular cardiovascular exercise, such a decreased risk of developing type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique by which electrical currents are applied to nerves supplying paralysed muscle through electrodes placed on the surface of the skin. This current delivers the necessary stimulation to illicit a muscle contraction with the purpose of providing functionally useful movements.Volunteers assisting with the FES program will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about FES exercise, an innovative technology in adapted physical activity.
- Gain experience working as a team and one-on-one among people with disabilities.
- Become skilled in performing safe transfers for assisting members on and off FES exercise equipment.
- Prepare members for FES exercise by applying proper placement of electrodes for one of three forms of FES exercise equipment (Muscle Conditioning, FES Biking, and FES Rowing)
- Acquire knowledge of electrical muscle activation safety and applications
Requirements for volunteers
| Program | Adult Fitness and Lifestyle Program | Adult Instructional Programs | Advanced Applied Learning Opportunity | TrailRider Excursion Program (TREP) | Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Program |
| Position | Adult fitness volunteer | Adult instructional program volunteer | Advanced applied learning volunteer | TREP Sherpa | FES volunteer |
| Hours | Up to 5 hours per week; flexible | Depends on requirements of program | Up to 5 hours per week; flexible | Flexible | 1 - 4 hours per week |
| Duration/commitment | 12 - 16 weeks min. | Depends on requirements of program | 12 - 16 weeks, min. | May - August | 12 - 16 week min. |
| Location | University of Alberta; Austin O' Brien Catholic High School; St. Joseph Catholic High School | University of Alberta and Edmonton River Valley | University of Alberta | ||
| Start date | Any time throughout the year; volunteers recruited depending on need | Spring | Any time throughout the year | ||
| Work environment | Fitness facility with a team of staff supervisors and other volunteers | Volunteers will work closely with a team of staff and other volunteers | Outdoor hiking with a team of staff leaders and other sherpas | Fitness facility with FES staff supervisors | |
| Qualifications | Previous experience as an adult fitness or adult instructional volunteer desired. | ||||
For more information regarding volunteer opportunities in these areas, please contact
Bobbi-Jo Atchison, member services coordinator
Phone: 492-8339
Email: bobbi-jo.atchison@ualberta.ca
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