Kennett Middle teacher seeks board approval for inclusive "Uniquely Abled Fitness" program backed by $10,000 grant

Ashley Long, the autistic support teacher at Kennett Middle School, presented a proposal on Sept. 30 to create a school chapter of Uniquely Abled Fitness, an inclusive functional-fitness curriculum designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities alongside peers without disabilities.

Long said the program focuses on functional movements, social connection and life-ready fitness skills and that it provides a full curriculum and coach mentorship. She told the committee the program charges a one-time $500 startup fee and a $69-per-month subscription for ongoing programming and mentorship; Long said that the $69 monthly fee would be paid by the district, not by students. "This is the first ever school chapter of the program," she said, noting that the program currently operates in several community gyms.

Long also said the program had secured a $10,000 grant from the CrossFit Foundations to purchase equipment such as rowing machines and medicine balls to launch the middle-school chapter and that the Uniquely Abled Fitness nonprofit can support fundraising and merchandise programs to sustain growth.

Board members asked clarifying questions about who would run the class (Long said she would lead the school chapter), how the program complements existing Special Olympics or other offerings, how many students it would serve and whether additional equipment or staff training would be required if the program expands. Administrators said the proposal will be added to a future agenda for formal approval and staff will follow up on implementation details and volunteer support.

Next steps: administration to place the program on a future board agenda for formal consideration, and staff will return with implementation details and any required curricular-change paperwork.