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Established in 2007, the Revved Up program has been combining adaptive exercise programming for community members experiencing disability with a unique educational experience for Faculty of Arts and Science students enrolled in the Disability and Physical Activity (DIPA) certificate.

Volunteer Sarah holding an exercise band for Sam.

Revved Up pairs members with students for connection and to help them execute their exercise programs.

Created by School of Kinesiology and Health Studies Professors Amy Latimer-Cheung and Mary Ann McColl (Rehabilitation Therapy), the program features over 100 student volunteers and 150 interns each year supporting 200 community members attending the . The program is held on the fifth floor of the Kinesiology building, and sessions are offered two days a week at Providence Care. Additionally, an online program is offered called Revved Up at Home for community members more suited to in home exercise.

The DIPA certificate is a suite of five courses including foundational learning in disability studies, physical activity, health and aging courses along with 180 hours of hands-on experiential learning opportunities.

“The DIPA certificate is well-suited for students considering a career in healthcare yet open to all degree plans and any student who wishes to strengthen communication and leadership skills, develop an understanding of what it means for people to live with a disability or chronic disease and develop exercise prescription skills for diverse populations,” says Amanda Cunningham, coordinator of DIPA and Revved Up. She also instructs two field placement courses.

“Over the course of the certificate, DIPA students become knowledgeable, highly skilled leaders in the Revved Up program and take on supervisory and mentorship roles. The layered approach to skill acquisition provides a supportive and constructive environment for student learning. The DIPA certificate is unique across Canada.”

The Revved Up program creates opportunity for persons with disability to fully participate in their community through healthy living and provides future health care professions with unique training opportunities.

“The program is filling a need in the community,” Cunningham says. “Physiotherapy programs are often short term and, after six to eight weeks, you are sent out in to the world. There are programs that exist but they are not always affordable or accessible so that is why this program was created.”

Two Revved Up members Gary and Cheryl.

She adds with the creation of the DIPA certificate in 2019, students can now go above and beyond their degree to have a Queen’s recognized certificate on their transcript and 180 hours of hands-on learning with the Revved Up program.

“I was introduced to Revved Up when I was in first year,” says Lauren Lefave. “The second I heard about it; I thought it would be great experience. I like that you get the hands-on experience right off the bat. Additionally, you learn how to coach the younger students once you reach fourth year. It’s also the connections you make which really drew me to the program.

Lefave says her favourite moments are hearing people talk about loving coming to Revved Up and she also loves the connections and social aspects of the program.

“I had a client last week that is living with Parkinson’s disease and with that she’s experiencing a lack of motivation. She said coming to Revved Up gets her out of the house and she’s excited knowing she’s coming here and meeting with us every week,” she says with a smile. “It’s heartwarming to hear those kinds of stories.”

She also talks about the confidence the clients gain as they become more familiar with the gym equipment and their exercise program. “We have amazing volunteers and coaches who teach them everything right from the first step.”

Cunningham says the program is well attended but initial grants for equipment purchase are dwindling. “We are currently seeking new, sustainable initiatives to continue our mission. Those interested in donating can visit the .