Flex for Access Inc. was founded in May 2015 by Jess Silver, writer, fitness enthusiast and advocate.

Watch Video: Jess Silver. Advocating for more accessibility through Flex for Access Inc.

The Story of Flex for Access Inc.

Flex for Access was founded in May 2015 as a Social Media Awareness Campaign, by Jess Silver, writer, fitness enthusiast and advocate. It is now a Non-Profit Organization for Cerebral Palsy awareness, and other disabilities and fitness and sport promotion.

Flex for Access’ vision is to help societal perception of disability evolve, and to allow all individuals regardless of limitations, fitness level and interest, the ability to be engaged in exercise and sport.

Jess’ goal was to allow people from different parts of the City of Toronto, and the world to join the conversation in understanding what Cerebral Palsy (CP) is, and how spasticity, which is tightness of the muscles, affects individuals with CP which is where the organization retains the name Flex for Access Inc., from.

For Jess sport and fitness occupy a very important role in her life and she wanted other people that have physical challenges and injuries to be given the opportunity to engage in training at the gym, which is what Flex for Access Inc. does. The organization acts as a pathway to allow individuals with physical challenges and injuries to engage in training sessions, yoga and boxing classes and other sport programs by facilitating the sessions and classes through the funds raised, and also raising funds for simple adaptive exercise equipment, like resistance bands for example which are needed for working out.

Why #Flex for Access?

Your donations go towards facilitating training sessions, yoga/ boxing classes, and other sports programs, and the purchase of adaptive exercise equipment for gyms.

Participation gets everyone in on the conversation surrounding the accessibility of fitness and sports, making more gyms, and rehab facilities, wheelchair accessible and accommodating to inclusive sports endeavors. It redefines perception of athletic ability and its importance.

Photographer: Sandro Presta of ActiveSkyVideo Inc

Get Involved

Currently Flex for Access Inc. works with local gyms, yoga studios and individuals of ranging fitness levels and professional backgrounds, who have shown their support by raising awareness on Social Media and through generous donations to support the organization.

Anyone is encouraged to participate to showcase the importance of accessibility and fitness for all. It is not to be misunderstood that those who have limitations in their mobility are to be limited to a specific gym or training and/ or rehabilitation facility that is capable of addressing only their specific needs; but more importantly, everyone should be able to access the same recreation, and the same equipment, which encourages participation in your city’s physical activity and athletic performance.

How Does One Get Involved?

Be a part of Flex for Access on Social Media, by taking pictures flexing your bicep, working out at the gym, training, playing a sport, doing yoga or being active in the community and hashtag #FlexforAccess posting it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Make a donation of your choice in support of Flex for Access Inc. online through PayPal.

*Donations are not tax deductible (But a receipt will be issued for the donation), they support Flex for Access Inc. and create avenues for everyone in the community to be physically fit and active; bringing adaptive exercise equipment, classes and programs to participating gyms and studios, and raising awareness in the city.

Click here to see Resolution Fitness's selection of Universally Designed and Wheelchair Accessible Equipment