Blog Post QUB 27 August, 2026
Queen’s University Belfast, in partnership with the UNC School of Education, is breaking down barriers to exercise by creating more accessible and inclusive gym spaces for people with developmental, physical and intellectual disabilities.
/filters:format(webp)/prod01/home/media/exercise-release-1600-767.jpg)
The partnership is made possible through the Queen’s International Partnerships Development Fund, a grant that helps researchers establish connections between the two universities.
Dr Karen McConnell and PhD student Alexandra McDonnell from the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s are working alongside Professor Kara Hume from the UNC School of Education.
The universities came together for co-design workshops to create resources for gym owners, managers and staff to make their spaces more inclusive for those with disabilities. The workshops included people who have lived experience of disabilities, along with gym and exercise professionals and physical therapists.
Exercises for these populations focus on increasing heart rate and building strength, balance and flexibility while forming a community.
Commenting on the significance of such a project, Dr McConnell said:
“The longer-term goal of the co-design workshops is to help create community gyms environments where people with disabilities feel welcomed, included and a genuine sense of belonging. To do that we need to help gyms and exercise professionals feel more confident and equipped to include people with disabilities.”
Those with disabilities generally have higher rates of conditions like heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure, as well as higher rates of earlier cognitive decline.
Professor Hume added: “Some health issues are because exercise spaces aren’t available, so anything we can do from big ways to small ways to make gyms more knowledgeable about these populations and supporting them is great.
“I’ve loved getting to know our partners, and, through our co-design workshops, I like hearing from individuals with disabilities about their lived experiences across the island of Ireland. It helps broaden my scope when thinking about support services.”
In late July, the team put their work across oceans into action. McDonnell travelled to North Carolina to lead an inclusive fitness class called ‘Power Hour’ with Professor Hume. The class offered a space for people with disabilities to exercise for an hour and connect with others with or without disabilities.
“Having spent five days here in Chapel Hill, I’m just so impressed with all the opportunities that are available for people and how inclusive the community is, it’s so lovely to see and learn from them and take things back home with me to compare opportunities,” said McDonnell.
In September of this year, the team plan to launch an inclusive fitness website designed for gym professionals who need more guidance on serving individuals with disabilities