Despite the many health benefits of physical activity, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often don’t participate in regular or effective exercise programs. Melissa Savage, an assistant professor of special education in the College of Education and Health Professions is collaborating with the University of North Carolina to support these adults through PACE — Physical Activity and Community Empowerment. The PACE program is funded by a five-year, $3.5 million National Institutes of Health grant.

Savage is working with Brianne Tomaszewski, an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program in the Department of Psychiatry, and Kara Hume, an associate professor in the College of Education at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

PACE provides a structured 16-week program to increase physical activity for adults with intellectual disability. Participants will work with individual coaches to select and schedule preferred activities and track their progress using technology. In addition, they will attend a weekly, community-based exercise class in an inclusive setting with trained exercise professionals.

Research visits will take place at the University of Arkansas Exercise Science Research Center. A weekly community fitness class will be held at the Jones Center in Springdale, and it will be open to participants and community members.

“This work can provide valuable insights into supporting adults with intellectual disability to engage in physical activity at home and in the community,” Savage said. “We are excited about our partnership with the Jones Center. With limited inclusive fitness opportunities, this fitness class can guide future efforts in developing inclusive community fitness programs. Additionally, this information can enhance training for exercise professionals to foster meaningful participation opportunities for all community members.”

The Arkansas site is expected to launch participant recruitment in late March. Savage is currently seeking to hire part-time research assistants and a full-time postdoctoral research scholar to join the PACE team. She will begin reviewing applications for the research assistant openings immediately and postdoctoral applications on Feb. 1. Positions will remain open until filled.

Contact Melissa Savage at mns029@uark.edu for more information about PACE or for specific questions regarding the research assistant or postdoctoral research scholar positions.