Paralympian Ali Jawad: Making Fitness Accessible for Everyone with Accessercise

Luca Rado, co-founder of The Live In Care Company, chats with Ali Jawad, a Paralympic athlete and the co-founder of Accessercise, on his podcast The Care Cast. Ali’s story is one of determination, innovation, and a drive to make fitness accessible for everyone.

Click HERE to watch the full interview or continue reading

From Paralympic Dreams to Frustration

Ali’s journey began with a passion for sports. Inspired by watching the Olympics, he dreamt of competing on the biggest stage. He achieved that dream, competing in four Paralympic Games and taking home a silver medal in Rio in 2016. But Ali’s athletic career also opened his eyes to a significant disparity.

“When I first entered a gym, I never asked a question of why I was the only disabled person in the gym,” Ali reflects in the interview. “What made me so different?”

Realizing the lack of accessibility in mainstream fitness facilities and the absence of resources catering to disabled people, Ali felt a pang of frustration. He knew the transformative power of exercise and believed everyone deserved the opportunity to experience it.

71,000 Apps and a Missing Piece

Ali wasn’t daunted by the challenge. He started researching fitness apps, a rapidly growing market with over 71,000 options available. Yet, none of them addressed the specific needs of disabled individuals. This revelation became the spark for Accessercise.

Building a Fitness App with Accessibility at its Core

Accessercise is more than just a fitness app; it’s a comprehensive platform designed to empower disabled people on their fitness journeys. Here’s a closer look at the app’s three key features:

• Unique Exercise Library: Unlike traditional fitness apps that feature generic exercise demonstrations, Accessercise showcases exercises performed by people with specific disabilities. This allows users to see firsthand how exercises can be adapted to their bodies and limitations. It not only ensures safety but also fosters a sense of connection and inspiration.
• Building a Supportive Community: Fitness can be a social experience, and Accessercise recognizes that. The app’s social hub allows users to connect with others who share similar challenges. Users can share their workouts, offer encouragement, and build a support network that motivates them to stay active.
• Empowering Users Through Knowledge: Finding a gym that caters to individual needs can be a daunting task for disabled people. Accessercise tackles this problem with its explore section. This feature allows users to rate gyms and sporting facilities based on their accessibility. This not only empowers users to make informed decisions about where to exercise but also provides valuable feedback to gyms and fitness centers.

Imagine a wheelchair user being able to see if a gym has ramps, wide enough spaces to maneuver between equipment, or accessible restrooms before they even visit the facility. This transparency allows users to choose gyms with confidence and removes a significant barrier to entry.

Ali’s Vision for a More Inclusive Fitness Landscape

Ali’s ambition for Accessercise doesn’t stop at its current features. He envisions a future where the app caters to a wider range of disabilities. The current version supports seven, but Ali’s goal is to expand that number to 198, encompassing a vast majority of physical limitations. This would make Accessercise the most inclusive fitness app available, ensuring everyone has access to safe and effective exercise routines.

Furthermore, Ali recognizes the global need for accessible fitness solutions. He plans to take Accessercise beyond geographical borders, making it a valuable resource for disabled people worldwide.

Ali’s Drive Extends Beyond the App

Ali’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the realm of fitness apps. He is currently pursuing a PhD in anti-doping and integrity issues in para sports. This research delves into the lesser-known world of doping in Paralympic sports, aiming to ensure a fair and level playing field for all athletes.

Ali doesn’t shy away from personal challenges either. Despite his busy schedule developing Accessercise and pursuing his PhD, Ali remains dedicated to his athletic pursuits. He is currently training for the London Classics, a grueling series of events that includes swimming the Serpentine, cycling the Ride London route, and culminating in a marathon. If successful, Ali will become the first double leg amputee to complete all three events, a testament to his unwavering determination.

Luca thoroughly enjoyed his conversation with Ali and described him as a true inspiration. Ali’s journey, from Paralympic achievements to tackling accessibility in fitness and his dedication to clean para sports through his PhD, showcases boundless drive and passion for making a positive difference. Luca expressed immense respect for Ali’s work ethic and the positive impact he’s having on countless lives. There’s no doubt that Accessercise will continue to grow and empower people around the world, and Luca can’t wait to see what Ali achieves next with the London Classics and beyond. All the best for continued success, Ali!

For anyone looking to learn more about Accessercise, the app is available on both Android and iOS platforms by searching for “Accessercise.”

Another interesting and inspiring story can be found via this link Lyndsay at Neo Walk

The Live In Care Company

The Live In Care Company is committed to providing high-quality care for those living with all types of disabilities. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one.