Celebrating Disability Pride Month – Every Day at Bio Ability

Disability Pride Month is celebrated each July to honor the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990—a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Since then, the month has grown into a global movement, recognizing the strength, creativity, and resilience of the disability community while challenging stigma and promoting inclusion.

At Bio Ability, Disability Pride Month is more than a moment on the calendar—it’s a mindset we live by every single day. We believe that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to move, grow, and shine in an environment that celebrates their strengths.

One of the ways we bring this vision to life is by integrating our adaptive gymnastics students with neurotypical peers whenever possible in classes and camps. This inclusive approach fosters mutual respect, builds friendships, and helps all participants learn from one another’s unique perspectives and talents.

At Bio Ability, we’re proud to celebrate Disability Pride Month not just in July, but in every class, every camp, and every connection we make. Because inclusion isn’t an event—it’s who we are.

World Brain Day – July 22: Celebrating Brain Health for All

Every year on July 22, the world comes together to recognize World Brain Day, an initiative launched in 2014 by the World Federation of Neurology to mark its founding in 1957. This global observance raises awareness about the importance of brain health at every stage of life and advocates for better access to neurological care worldwide.

The 2025 theme, “Brain Health for All Ages – Global Equity,” highlights the need to protect and nurture our brains through healthy lifestyles, early intervention, and inclusive wellness opportunities. Neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease affect millions globally, but research shows that regular physical activity, cognitive engagement, and social connection can help maintain and even improve brain function.

How Bio Ability Supports Brain Health

At Bio Ability, our Adaptive Gymnastics and Adaptive Fitness programs are designed to do more than build strength—they actively support brain health. These programs:

• Stimulate Neuroplasticity – Complex, coordinated movements encourage the brain to form new neural connections.

• Enhance Motor Skills – Targeted exercises improve balance, coordination, and proprioception, which are closely linked to cognitive function.

• Boost Mood & Focus – Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, releasing endorphins and supporting mental clarity.

• Promote Inclusion & Confidence – A supportive, adaptive environment fosters social interaction and self-esteem, both vital for emotional and cognitive well-being.

This World Brain Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience of the human brain—and the ways movement, inclusion, and adaptive training can help it thrive. Whether you’re joining us for a gymnastics session or a personalized fitness plan, you’re not just exercising your body—you’re investing in your brain.

For more information about Adaptive Fitness or Adaptive Gymnastics programs contact us by phone or text at Bio Ability on 470-560-3981.

What’s happening?

Summer Camps

We are offering half day camps this summer. Morning session is 9-12 and afternoon session is 1-4. Our half‑day camp blends structured activities with plenty of playtime to keep kids engaged and excited.

 What’s Included Each Day

• Welcome & Free Play — Settle in and warm up for the day.
• Gymnastics Time — Jump, balance, climb, and move!
• Fine Motor &Learning — Writing, tracing, flash cards, and more.
• Snack Break — Refuel and relax.
• Arts & Crafts — Cutting, coloring, and imaginative projects.
• Sports Activity — Try out a new sport each day.
• Cool Down & Reflection — Stretch, breathe, and celebrate accomplishments. Camp will be scheduled through the Bio Ability number by texting or calling to request specific days and times. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis and is dependent on staff availability.

Call or text us now to reserve your spot. Camp is designed for school aged children who are potty trained/continent. Camp includes gymnastics and other sport activities, arts and crafts and educational activities.

Holiday Closure Reminder

Bio Ability will be closed July 1-5 for the Independence Day holiday weekend. Makeups will be scheduled to assure at least 4 classes in the month of July.

Staff Updates

Coaches Nidhi, Aruna, Dhriti and Bhavya will be heading to college soon. Coach Jennifer is joining our team. She has been a preschool special education teacher and a music teacher.  We are excited to bring her onboard. If you see her around, please welcome her.

We Are Still Hiring!!!

Bio Ability is expanding our program and will be starting a HUGS gymnastics team. This is an inclusive and adaptive gymnastics team for our special needs students. We are currently hiring adaptive gymnastics instructors for children with special needs. Ideal candidates will have worked with children with special needs in an exercise or gymnastics setting. You may apply here Job Application – BIO Ability or email your resume to Dawn.Koch@bio-ability.com .

Two Active Physical Activity Exercises for Brain Health in Children and Adults

1. Dancing
   Dancing is a fun, engaging, and accessible form of physical activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. It combines aerobic movement with coordination, rhythm, and social interaction, which can improve memory, problem-solving skills, and emotional balance. Whether it’s ballroom, line dancing, or freestyle, dancing boosts heart rate, enhances motor skills, and stimulates brain areas involved in learning and decision-making. It’s also a low-cost, social way to stay active, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines.
2. Tai Chi
   Tai Chi is a gentle, mind-body exercise that involves slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and focus on balance. Research shows it can improve general cognition, memory, and executive function in people of all ages. Its low-impact nature makes it suitable for children with mobility challenges and adults recovering from injury or illness. Tai Chi also reduces stress and anxiety, which can support emotional and cognitive well-being.

Both of these activities can be done at home or in a group setting, and they offer the added benefit of being enjoyable, which helps sustain long-term participation for brain health.

White Bean Salad with Feta & Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small clove garlic, grated (about ¼ teaspoon)
• ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed (about 3 cups)
• 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
• 2 small shallots, sliced (about ¾ cup)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup toasted chopped walnuts

Directions:

Whisk 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons yogurt, ½ teaspoon mustard, the grated garlic, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt together in a large bowl. While whisking constantly, slowly stream in ¼ cup oil until combined. Add rinsed beans, 3 cups spinach, halved tomatoes, sliced shallots and 3 tablespoons dill; gently toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with ½ cup feta and ¼ cup walnuts.

Nutrition Information

418 calories, 20g fat,), 45g carbohydrate, 18g protein.