Evolve21: A new platform for various disability communities to get and stay proactive in their health and wellness is finally here.

1. What prompted the idea to start a program that involves both the abled and differently to start taking serious action in their health and well-being. How did this idea come about?
   
   
   We were all well aware of all the fitness apps out there and thought it was unacceptable that one didn't exist for people with physical disabilities. Everyone should have access to a wellness routine that works for their body. End of story.
   
   
   We are also always trying to think of new ways to build community at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation so we can create a collective voice that cannot be silenced. It's really not enough just to include people with disabilities, they must be integrated into every fabric of our society. So we designed the app with adaptive exercises for people with disabilities and non-disabled participants alike.
   
   
2. For someone who has never heard of this program or The United Cerebral Palsy Foundation would you mind giving us a brief overview of what they both are?
   
   
   As a note - we are not the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, we are the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. 
   
   
   Evolve21
   Evolve21 is a 21-day program that lets you choose between 7-minute cardio, yoga and meditation routines that you can customize for your ability level. During the challenge, participants are encouraged to raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation as well. The app is creating a new normal in the world of wellness to say if you have a body, it’s a good body and that you can always find a path to personal wellness.  
   
   
   Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF)
   The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to act as a catalyst for positive change for individuals with disabilities, families, and communities. We enable real impact today through with influential institutions, organizations, and corporations around the globe. CPF works to drive change within four focus areas (Health, education, advocacy, 
   
   
   and technology). Learn more about our initiatives at cerebralpalsyfoundation.org
   
   
   
   
3. Do you plan on expanding this platform in the near future taking it to schools and universities,  and healthcare facilities across the country?
   
   
   This project is currently being shared with medical providers and institutions across the country and we encourage people to share this program with local schools and universities.
   
   
4. What can steps can people take if they want to start their own chapter of inclusive and accessible fitness programs in their own city/town?
   
   
   People can certainly use Evolve21 as a model, but our advice would be to connect with local programs offering adaptive sports and see how you can supplement what's already taking place. Many communities have already established adaptive sports programs so it'd be beneficial to utilize the processes happening there and build on that for adults.
   
   
   
5. What advice do you have for someone who may be physically limited, but would still like to be proactive in maintaining their mental/spiritual/ physical health
   
   
   Evolve21 includes adaptive exercises designed for those that have physical limitations. If users just wanted to focus on mindfulness exercise, I would suggest exploring the meditation portion of Evolve21 that allows you to gain greater control of your emotions and strengthen your mind.
   
   
   
   
6. What has been the most invaluable lesson you have learned from working closely with the disability communities?
   
   
   That's it's really not enough to be inclusive and diverse in regards to people with disabilities (or any minority actually). Integration is key. People with disabilities are proud of their identity and the community is as diverse as all of humanity.
   
   
7. What are the top 3 things you believe society should know about children/people with disabilities?
   
   
   1. Having a disability is an identity that people take pride in.
   2. The disability community is diverse as all of humanity, so don't make assumptions that all people with disabilities are the same.
   3. Don't assume people with disabilities are incapable.
   
   
8. If someone is struggling to stay with the program what advice would you give them to help them stay on track, and stay focused on their fitness goals?
   
   
   Recruit a friend to keep you on track. Whether it's exercising of fundraising, it always makes it more fun and easier to stay focused when you have a friend by your side to keep you motivated.
   
   
9. What would you say motivates the most to do the work that you do every day?
   
   
   Helping give voice to a community that traditionally hasn't had one and changing perspectives about people with disabilities.
   
   
10. Where can we find this program online?
    
    
    You can download the app off the App Store or Google Play here and you can learn more about the app at evolve21.org
    
    

Author's note: I personally like to thank Jill Rosamilia for allowing me the opportunity to work with her. It was and is an absolute pleasure to connect and work with people and share our passions like this one and many others through something a simple as a blog. Thank you so much. Founder, Jessica