Setting Fitness Goals for Children with Special Needs

Supporting children with special needs in developing healthy fitness habits is one of the most meaningful ways families and educators can promote lifelong well‑being. Physical activity benefits all children, but for those with disabilities, it can play an especially vital role in building strength, confidence, coordination, and emotional resilience. Experts emphasize that children with disabilities should be encouraged to be active in ways that match their abilities and interests.

Start With Individual Needs

Before setting goals, consider the child’s medical history, mobility level, sensory preferences, and any recommendations from physical or occupational therapists. Individualized plans ensure safety and help children feel successful from the start.

Adapt General Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ages 6–17 aim for about 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day, with muscle‑ and bone‑strengthening activities several times a week. For children with special needs, these goals can be modified—shorter sessions, lower intensity, or adaptive equipment can make movement more accessible.

Make Goals Clear and Achievable

Small, measurable goals help build confidence. Examples include:

• Completing a short set of wall push‑ups
• Practicing balance for a set amount of time
• Completing a specific gymnastic skill like a forward or backward roll or hip circle

Adaptive fitness programs also highlight the importance of tailoring goals to each child’s abilities and motivation, which helps maintain engagement and progress. At Bio Ability we strive to:

• Collaborate With the Support Team- Teachers, therapists, and caregivers can offer valuable insight into what activities are safe and beneficial. Their input helps create consistent routines across home, school, and therapy settings.
• Keep It Fun- Children are more likely to stay active when movement feels enjoyable. Dance, swimming, playground time, or adaptive sports can all be great options. Fitness programs designed for children with special needs emphasize that enjoyment and empowerment are key to long‑term success.

With thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a focus on progress—not perfection—children with special needs can build strong, healthy habits that support their physical and emotional growth.

World Braille Day — Celebrating Access, Literacy, and Inclusion

Each year on January 4, communities around the world come together to celebrate World Braille Day, honoring the birth of Louis Braille and recognizing the profound impact his innovation continues to have on people who are blind or have low vision. As noted in the 2026 Global Health and Disability Observances Calendar, this day raises awareness of Braille as a vital pathway to literacy, independence, and full participation in society.

Braille is far more than a reading system — it is a tool of empowerment. For many individuals with visual impairments, Braille opens doors to education, employment, and personal autonomy. It ensures that information is accessible, communication is equitable, and opportunities are not limited by vision loss.

This month, we encourage our community to reflect on the importance of accessible formats in all environments — schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and public spaces. Whether through Braille labels, tactile signage, or digital accessibility features, small changes can make a meaningful difference.

Let’s use World Braille Day as a reminder of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion and remove barriers. Together, we can help create a world where everyone has the tools they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

What’s happening?

In an effort to avoid raising tuition costs this year, Bio Ability will no longer be able to absorb credit card processing fees. We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to keep our programs affordable.

If you prefer to avoid credit card fees, you are welcome to pay by check in advance. Any advance payment will be applied as a credit to the following month, and your card on file will not be charged.

If payment is not received ahead of time, the card we have on file will be processed, including the associated credit card fees. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely thank you for your cooperation.

January Classes and Makeups

This month coach Audrey is unable to work with us due to work scheduling changes. In addition, coach Anna is out of town until mid-January. Please be patient and understanding with us as we try to accommodate everyone’s classes and makeup classes with limited staff. Thank you for your understanding.

I am still looking for instructors and would love someone with a behavioral therapist or special education background so if you know anyone, please refer them to dawn.koch@bio-ability.com or to apply online on our website at https://bio-ability.com/job-application/

Exercise of the Month: Crawling and Climbing

Benefits of Crawling and Climbing for Special Needs Children

Crawling and climbing offer numerous benefits for special needs children, enhancing their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Physical Development: Crawling and climbing improve motor skills, coordination, and strength, which are essential for daily activities and overall physical health.
• Cognitive Skills: These activities encourage problem solving, planning, and executive functioning, which are valuable skills for learning and daily tasks.
• Emotional Well  being: Climbing helps children build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement, which are crucial for emotional health and self-esteem.
• Social Skills: Climbing provides opportunities for social interaction and the development of communication skills, which are important for social skills and relationships.

These activities are not only beneficial but also provide a fun and engaging way for special needs children to participate in physical activities, leading to a more active and engaged lifestyle.

Recipe: Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken meat
  • 2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuit dough

Directions:

1. Stir condensed soup, chicken broth, and shredded chicken together in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Cut each biscuit into quarters, and gently stir into the simmering soup.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until biscuits are no longer doughy in the center, 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add in mixed vegetables if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 400; Fat 18g; Carbs 36g; Protein 22g.