Long-running Kinesiology program supports people with chronic physical disabilities

The impact of UCalgary’s Faculty of Kinesiology’s Rehabilitation and Fitness Program for Persons with Chronic Physical Disabilities is well-established. 

“It’s an easy trend to track, says Rianne Rogan, BSc’10, adapted program assistant co-ordinator for the highly regarded initiative. “Simply look at how long the clients stay committed. Once they find our program, it’s lifelong,” she says.

Or ask Harvey Rose, who signed up in 1998 after suffering a stroke. He hasn’t missed a session since. 

“I just want to go out and yell to everybody that I’m so grateful that somebody decided to get this type of a program going for us,” says the 72-year old. 

“This fills that big step after physiotherapists say they have done everything they can. There’s a whole lot that this program can do for you.”

Improving strength to endurance

After receiving individually tailored regimens, clients participate twice weekly in supervised group workouts at the UCalgary fitness centre.

The goal is to improve strength, flexibility, balance, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. This, in turn, enhances independence.

“Their quality of life is improved,” says Emma Smith, BPE’93, MSc’97, adapted program coordinator. “They are able to do the activities of daily living with greater ease. And the social component is really important, they develop good friendships with others in the program.”

Billy Schofield is a relative newcomer to the program and, after only 14 months, is an enthusiastic believer.

“I love it so much,” says Schofield, 68. “It’s fantastic. I tell people everywhere about it. To not have this would be such a travesty.”

Donor support vital to program

Which is why philanthropic support from the community is so critical. The Faculty of Kinesiology featured the program during UCalgary Giving Day 2025. The annual fundraising blitz, which ran April 2 to 16 this year, attracted nearly 3,200 donors and raising a $2.5 million — including almost $14,000 for the popular rehabilitation initiative.

That money will support the maintenance and acquisition of new (and expensive) adapted exercise equipment, which allows costs to remain reasonable for participants, many of whom are low income.

“If we raised the fees significantly, many clients wouldn’t be able to afford to attend,” says Smith, who’s been with the program for more than 25 years. “Things have to get cut if that money doesn’t come in — so external funding is key. We stretch every dollar because it impacts so many people who need help.”

Established in 1989 and delivered through UCalgary’s Active Living department, the program accommodates 150 community members every semester. 

And its 100 volunteers, including faculty practicum students, allows for nearly one-on-one attention with participants.

From clients to supporters

Impressed by the results over his 27 years as a client, Rose and his wife, Hertha, became philanthropic supporters of the program. 

“Considering everything it’s given to me, I figured there must be a way to give back,” he says. “I try to assist as much as I can.” 

Shortly after surviving a stroke in 1996, Rose went to Las Vegas for a holiday. He needed to be pushed down the Strip in his wheelchair, “which was the most maddening thing in the world.” He remembers thinking: “Is this going to be the rest of my life?” 

Hearing about the Rehabilitation and Fitness Program, he registered and dedicated himself to his personalized exercise routine.

“My fight was that I was going to get out of that wheelchair,” says Rose, who reached that goal in 1999. “When you take that first step — and you know you have the muscles that aren’t just going to give out on you — the feeling of confidence is incredible.”

Program provides a mental-health boost for clients

Schofield, temporarily paralyzed from the chest down after a tumour was removed from his back, didn’t know what to expect when he began the program. 

But, eager to increase his mobility, he is devoted.

Like many clients, he takes a Calgary Transit access bus to campus, then spends one hour and 45 minutes working out, twice-weekly. And he never fails to be inspired.

“It’s uplifting to see others, how hard they’re trying,” says Schofield, who is now able to stand. “You’ve got to stay focused. These things are not going to happen overnight. You can’t get down. You’ve just got to keep going.”

For program clients, the physical gains stand out. But the mental-health boost is crucial, too.

“It’s great to give you hope — ‘Hey, I’m here and these people are helping me do this and that,’” says Schofield.