Access in Action: Where Wellness, Community, and Disability Inclusion Come Together
About Access in Action
Access in Action is a FREE in-person wellness event where people with disabilities, caregivers, veterans, and community allies come together for adaptive fitness classes, networking, and health education. This is a rare opportunity for our typically virtual community to connect face-to-face in an accessible, supportive environment.
Many of our participants have been attending Disability Partnerships' virtual classes for months or even years—exercising together, sharing experiences, and building friendships from their own homes. Access in Action brings that same sense of community into a physical space, allowing people to meet the instructors and classmates they've come to know online, share stories in person, and celebrate their wellness journeys together.
Beyond the workouts, this event is about building relationships, accessing resources, and creating a disability-inclusive space where everyone belongs. Whether you're new to adaptive exercise or a regular participant in our programs, Access in Action offers something meaningful—connection, movement, and community.
What the Event Will Include
Two back-to-back adaptive fitness classes led by certified adaptive exercise instructors
A networking lunch with time to meet other participants, caregivers, and community members
Hands-on adaptive equipment demonstrations
Take-home health education materials tailored to people with disabilities
Access to community resources and support services
Opportunities to connect with local and national disability advocacy organizations
Focus on Heart Health and Health Equity
This year's Access in Action event will place special emphasis on cardiovascular health and health equity for people with disabilities. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults with disabilities, and people with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience barriers to accessing preventive care, exercise programs, and health information.
Through our adaptive fitness programming, we're working to close that gap. Our classes are designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility—all while being fully accessible and adaptable to a wide range of abilities and mobility levels.
At Access in Action, we'll provide education on heart health, share adaptive wellness strategies, and connect participants with resources that support long-term cardiovascular wellness. This isn't just about one event—it's about empowering our community with the tools and knowledge to live healthier, more active lives.
Why Access in Action Matters
For many people with disabilities, finding accessible, welcoming fitness spaces can be a challenge. Gyms may not have adaptive equipment. Group classes may not accommodate mobility aids or sensory needs. And even when physical access exists, attitudinal barriers—assumptions about what people with disabilities can or can't do—can make it hard to feel truly welcome.
Access in Action is different. This event is built by and for the disability community. Every aspect—from the venue to the programming to the way we communicate—is designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind. We're not just inviting people with disabilities to participate; we're centering their experiences, needs, and leadership.
This event also matters because isolation is a real issue for many people with disabilities. Whether due to mobility challenges, transportation barriers, or social exclusion, many people in our community experience loneliness and disconnection. Access in Action creates a space where people can build friendships, find peer support, and feel less alone in their experiences.
Our Proven Adaptive Wellness Model
Disability Partnerships has been offering virtual adaptive exercise classes since 2020, and our model works. Our participants report increased strength, improved mobility, better mental health, and a stronger sense of community. We've built a program that meets people where they are—whether they're exercising from a wheelchair, recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or navigating multiple health conditions.
Our instructors are trained in adaptive fitness techniques and understand how to modify exercises for different abilities and needs. Classes are designed to be inclusive, affirming, and fun—because wellness should be accessible to everyone, not just elite athletes or able-bodied people.
Access in Action brings this proven model into an in-person setting, giving participants the chance to experience adaptive fitness in a group environment, learn new techniques, and see firsthand what inclusive wellness looks like.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for people with disabilities, caregivers, family members, veterans, and anyone interested in adaptive wellness and disability community. You don't need to be a current Disability Partnerships participant to attend—newcomers are welcome. However, priority registration will be given to active program participants and Maryland residents, as space is limited.
You should attend if:
You're looking for accessible, adaptive fitness opportunities
You want to connect with other people with disabilities and caregivers
You're interested in learning about health equity and disability wellness
You value community, inclusion, and meaningful connection
You want access to resources and support services
You're a caregiver or family member who supports someone with a disability
This event is fully accessible. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and we will provide ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices, and other accommodations as requested. Dietary accommodations for the lunch portion can be arranged during registration.
Partner With Us
Access in Action is made possible through the support of sponsors, partners, and donors who believe in disability inclusion and health equity. If your organization is interested in sponsoring this event, providing resources, or partnering with us in other ways, we'd love to hear from you.
Event sponsorship opportunities include logo placement, recognition in event materials, and the chance to connect directly with our community. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your organization's commitment to accessibility and disability inclusion in a meaningful, visible way.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to discuss partnership, please contact us at Info@DisabilityPartnerships.org