Quality of Life Grants Spotlight: Fast Feet NYC
The health and well-being of people with paralysis and other disabilities are crucial. Limited exercise opportunities heighten their physical and psychological health risks. People living with paralysis have an increased risk of developing physical health issues (diabetes, heart disease, bone, and joint issues) and mental health issues (depression, feeling isolated, or anxiety). Fast Feet NYC began because its Founder, Suzie Clinchy, envisioned providing adaptive, inclusive programs and training for children with disabilities.
Fast Feet NYC allows children ages 5-18 to participate in healthy activities, including running, yoga, nutrition workshops, and social skills groups. The organization's curriculum was created in collaboration with experienced coaches, Special Olympic coaches, special education educators, and physical and occupational therapists.
The team at Fast Feet NYC works with each child to develop a personalized exercise program, adapting to their needs. In addition, life skill classes teach the children how to win or lose, teamwork, and cooperation.
Children without disabilities also participate in the program. The idea is children with paralysis and other disabilities should not be segregated from those without a disability. An inclusive and diverse learning environment builds healthy habits and positive social interactions.
To increase accessibility, Fast Feet NYC expanded to include live fitness and yoga classes virtually to increase access to adaptive, personalized exercise, nutrition, and life skills programs. Social workers and therapists led life skills courses that supported learning vital skills that increase or maintain meaningful connections. Athletes could train wherever they were.
The Reeve Foundation supported Fast Feet NYC's virtual athletic training program. Fast Feet NYC used the $16,000 COVID-19 grant from the Reeve Foundation to host fitness, yoga, nutrition workshops, and life skills over Zoom. As a result, children and their families could still exercise and connect with others socially while isolated due to COVID-19. The interaction with coaches, social workers, therapists, and friends through Zoom kept children involved with others and focused on their well-being. Seventy people living with paralysis were served with this program.
"My family and I love Fast Feet because of what the program has provided us. Michael, my son, started in the summer of 2019 but shortly before, we had gotten his official diagnosis of ASD. My husband and I quickly found out that there aren't many programs that cater to neurodivergent children and families. We looked and looked until we found Fast Feet. Coach Suzie makes the classes fun and promotes so much team sportsmanship, something that Michael, up to this point, had not gotten to experience in sports. Throughout the years, Michael has learned what teamwork is and looks forward to the weekly running practice. I also look forward to the classes because of the support of his fellow teammates' parents who share lots of good information. But above all, I look forward to the practice because Michael opens up to me. We will forever be grateful to have found this fantastic program." —Jessica M, Fast Feet Parent
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Fast Feet NYC's virtual participants remain engaged throughout fitness, yoga, social skills, and cooking classes because of how they structured the classes. In addition, children are encouraged to participate in the feedback-based teaching style, sensory-friendly activities, and asking participants questions.
The parents of children involved in Fast Feet NYC's classes and activities can see how the organization has impacted their children's lives. A parent of one of their participants recently shared their story about the program's impact on their child. They shared, "Fast Feet NYC has served as a fantastic outlet for August's energy and determination and helped reinforce the benefits of teamwork. August beams with pride when he completes a lap or participates in a race. Fast Feet NYC provides an environment that is supportive and accepting, which reduces the stress on parents and kids. Having access to an adaptive athletic program is so important for neurodiverse children and youth." - Hope B, Fast Feet Parent
Since Fast Feet NYC's launch in 2017, the number of participants has continued to grow approximately 18% each year. Suzie Clinchy accredits this growth to the organization's goal of providing adaptive, individualized care to all participating in their activities. The positive effects on their well-being are felt by parents and children regardless of where they are because the Reeve Foundation helps fund their virtual programs.
To learn more about the Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants Program, please see: www.ChristopherReeve.org/QOL.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center created a special grants category (COVID-19: Addressing Social Isolation) for non-profit organizations to address social isolation by providing programs and projects to support the physical and mental health of people living with paralysis.
Christina Sisti, DPS, MPH, MS is a bioethicist and health care policy advocate. She works to create awareness and improve health care policy for those with long-term health issues.