In an effort to improve the health and wellness options available to persons with developmental disabilities (DD), REM Ohio, a local service provider to individuals living with DD, announced they are teaming up with the Akron Area YMCA to offer a twice-weekly, exercise class called Ready, Fit & Able, beginning February 8th at their Opportunities Social and Vocational Center, located at 2052 Romig Road.

The class will be led by Akron Area YMCA staff members every Monday and Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., and will feature low impact, aerobic exercises that can be adjusted based on an individual's physical ability.

"We began the Ready, Fit & Able program last year with the help of the Akron YMCA and Summit County Board of DD. After a very successful kick-off event last March, the Lake Anna YMCA began to offer an ongoing, twice-weekly Ready, Fit & Able class," said Carla Parker, state director, REM Ohio. "Although the class enjoyed a regular clientele, we decided to further explore how this program could continue to reach more participants. It was identified that because the classes were held in the evening and on Saturday " that often transportation was an issue. It was then we decided if these individuals could not come to the YMCA, then the YMCA would come to them. "

Besides offering the exercise class to those enrolled in their social and vocational programs, REM Ohio is opening the program up, free of charge, to any individual with developmental disabilities that would like to participate. As an added benefit, anyone attending at least one Ready, Fit & Able class a week, for seven weeks; will earn a weekend pass to the YMCA of their choice to enjoy any and all available activities.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating or learning more about the Ready, Fit & Able exercise class, please call the REM Ohio Opportunities Social and Vocational Center on Romig Road at 330.745.6826 and ask for Larry or Carrie.

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About REM Ohio

REM Ohio, a partner of The MENTOR Network, serves adults and youth with varied and often complex intellectual and developmental disabilities. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio and with regional offices in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, the company's programs and supports are built around the unique needs of each individual they serve and designed to promote independence, skill development, personal choice and growth in the communities where they live, work and play. The company currently employs 324 part time and 605 full time employees.