WHY EBA?

After graduating from high school and aging out of special education, service providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) shift from the school to the state. While Oregon has a number of helpful support systems for adults, it is difficult to match the involved five-days-a-week school schedule that graduates are leaving behind. As a result:

• 60% of adults with ID/DD are overweight or obese, and over twice as likely as those without disabilities to have basic physical activity needs go unmet

• Adults with ID/DD are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles, and seven times more likely to report inadequate social and emotional support

• 70% of adults with ID/DD are still living in their childhood home, with limited physical and social opportunity amongst peers

The statistics above, coupled with the lack of rigor and routine that school used to bring, can lead to regression in the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of adults with ID/DD.

What is EBA?

Every Body Athletics’ mission is to make a lasting impact on the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) through inclusive group exercise.

EBA runs in-person classes in the Greater Portland area and online classes via Zoom! EBA serves adults who have aged out of special education (21 and over) who come from day programs, supported living settings, or those still living with their parents/guardians. Designed by staff with Master's degrees in Special Education, Doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy, and dual certifications in Personal Training and Special Populations Personal Training, each weekly EBA class provides specialized, adaptive exercises that focus on participants’ specific physical needs while inserting time for social practice along the way. Classes include a 1:1-2 ratio of teammates without disabilities (see VOLUNTEER) to promote inclusion and increased participation. 

Every Body Athletics believes that everybody is an athlete, regardless of physical or cognitive capacities. Every Body Athletics also gets its name from our focus on exercising every part of the body: physical, social, and emotional. Lastly, Every Body Athletics understands that we all benefit when everybody is included in our society and communities.

How much does EBA cost?

During adulthood, there are much-needed services and resources that families with adults with ID/DD need to put their money towards. Every Body Athletics recognizes this, and therefore provides each exercise session at a significantly reduced cost- with scholarship opportunities available- so athletes and their families can save their money for these other important services. This is only made possible through the generous support of individual and corporate donors and sponsors. Click on our donate page to learn more about becoming a donor and supporting our amazing athletes and teammates!