Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Young Adult Services students strengthen their arms through a stretch band workout.
Students in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) Young Adult Services (YAS) program for students aged 18 to 26 with special needs are exploring recreational activities that grow their social and motor skills while gaining healthy exercise habits through a special partnership with Fit Body Boot Camp (FBBC) Holland.
“Partnerships like this are a large part of what we do at YAS to help engage students with the local community,” OAISD Director of Young Adult Services John Koerner said. “And as a bonus, at Fit Body, they can also learn to be fit and stay healthy, which is such an important part of being an adult.”
YAS instructor and FBBC Holland member Michelle Ingram said the program developed organically when she learned Holland FBBC owner Kyle Davidson supported fall fun runs at local schools.
“I asked if he would be interested in visiting our YAS location in Holland to demonstrate to students how to use the grant-funded weight equipment properly,” Ingram said. “The experience was extremely positive for all involved, and he generously offered his time and facility to continue working together at his FBBC Holland facility.”
Up to 25 students attend an hour-long bootcamp session every Tuesday where they explore recreational activities, build stamina and endurance, and learn safe, healthy ways to modify movements and exercises through workouts tailored to their individual abilities.
“I adapted our Fit Body workouts to make them inclusive and incorporate exercises that integrate physical and occupational therapy-based exercises as well as functional movements, teamwork, counting reps, and always have some fun,” Davidson said.
YAS student Ally said, “I like that Coach Kyle makes us work hard and makes me feel good about myself after working out.”
Davidson added, “Coach Melissa and I often wonder who gets the most out of these workouts, the students or us.”
The Young Adult Services program is for students ages 18 to 26 who receive special education services through Ottawa Area ISD. Students participate in activities inside and outside the classroom, focusing on life skills, job skills, personal care, and functional academics, allowing them to reach maximum independence. Students also have the opportunity to acquire these skills through short-term placements at community businesses and organizations.
For more information about Young Adult Services, visit yas.oaisd.org.
“Partnerships like this are a large part of what we do at YAS to help engage students with the local community,” OAISD Director of Young Adult Services John Koerner said. “And as a bonus, at Fit Body, they can also learn to be fit and stay healthy, which is such an important part of being an adult.”
YAS instructor and FBBC Holland member Michelle Ingram said the program developed organically when she learned Holland FBBC owner Kyle Davidson supported fall fun runs at local schools.
“I asked if he would be interested in visiting our YAS location in Holland to demonstrate to students how to use the grant-funded weight equipment properly,” Ingram said. “The experience was extremely positive for all involved, and he generously offered his time and facility to continue working together at his FBBC Holland facility.”
Up to 25 students attend an hour-long bootcamp session every Tuesday where they explore recreational activities, build stamina and endurance, and learn safe, healthy ways to modify movements and exercises through workouts tailored to their individual abilities.
“I adapted our Fit Body workouts to make them inclusive and incorporate exercises that integrate physical and occupational therapy-based exercises as well as functional movements, teamwork, counting reps, and always have some fun,” Davidson said.
YAS student Ally said, “I like that Coach Kyle makes us work hard and makes me feel good about myself after working out.”
Davidson added, “Coach Melissa and I often wonder who gets the most out of these workouts, the students or us.”
The Young Adult Services program is for students ages 18 to 26 who receive special education services through Ottawa Area ISD. Students participate in activities inside and outside the classroom, focusing on life skills, job skills, personal care, and functional academics, allowing them to reach maximum independence. Students also have the opportunity to acquire these skills through short-term placements at community businesses and organizations.
For more information about Young Adult Services, visit yas.oaisd.org.
