Dreamscape’s Mission Takes Shape at Hannibal YMCA
Dreamscape’s Mission Takes Shape at Hannibal YMCA
In 2018, Hannibal YMCA’s Group Fitness & Aquatics Coordinator reached out to Dreamscape Foundation seeking guidance and assistance on how to make their YMCA facility – and its programs – more accessible. The effort was inspired by one of their wheelchair-bound members, Audrey Pickett, who wanted to be more involved but was facing accessibility challenges at their facility.
Dreamscape Foundation immediately responded, and has since been providing advice on accessibility options and resources, as well as contributing funds to support the programs and equipment that would make accessibility possible.
The collaboration sparked a movement; one driven by Audrey’s determination to make the world more accessible for herself and others. She experienced firsthand how the fitness equipment and programs at the YMCA can improve her life, her personal strength, and her mobility.
Beyond that, she found a sense of community at the YMCA that accepted her, encouraged her, and offered opportunities to be involved with the organization. She wanted other individuals in her community with disabilities to have these same opportunities. Thus, Dreamscape Foundation remained in contact and continued to support her in these efforts.
Below is an update on her story.
From Student to Instructor: Audrey is an Invaluable Asset to the YMCA
In addition to her attending her physical training sessions, Audrey is now an instructor teaching Pound classes at the same YMCA that she helped evolve to accommodate accessibility needs. The class is a high energy cardio, conditioning, and strength training program that utilizes special drumsticks called “Ripstix.” The exercise uses these sticks to combine rhythmic beats with Pilates- and Yoga-inspired movements, and is easily modified to suit participant’s unique level of abilities.
“When I first started taking Pound two years ago, I didn’t ever think I was going to be teaching it,” Audrey confessed. “I didn’t even think I was going to last a class. But then I kept going back.”
When asked about how the last two years have impacted her, she said, “It’s made me a better person, and it’s made me stronger. I realized that I can do more than I thought I could do.”
Audrey has always enjoyed teaching and has desired to do so in some capacity. However, being a Pound instructor at the YMCA is an opportunity she never imagined would be a reality when this all began. She attributes her growth to both her dedicated practice and effort as well as the support of the people around her.
Beyond teaching, Audrey is also an active YMCA volunteer. Recently, she helped assemble food boxes for their USDA-funded food program called Meals On The Go. The program provides one week’s worth of food per box for youth ages 18 years and younger.
“I love this place,” Audrey said. “It’s my second home.”
Audrey continues to serve as a huge driver for accessibility at the YMCA. Her voice has led to several changes, including adapting the handicap restroom to be more accessible.
“Audrey mentioned that the stall was very tight, and she really couldn’t get in there, turn her chair and shut the door,” said Hannibal YMCA CEO Eric Abts. “And we appreciated that perspective. We moved on it pretty quickly, and got it switched over. Now it’s better for everyone.”
Looking forward, Audrey aspires to continue to grow, expanding her capabilities as a Pound instructor and possibly return to school to expand her education.
“I wanted to say we’re extremely thankful to Dreamscape Foundation for making this possible,” Eric said. “You guys have been wonderful. We’ve had this relationship with Dreamscape for well over a year now and it’s just been a blessing.”
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Hannibal YMCA Aims to Make Its Facility More Accessible
Perhaps it’s the catchy lyrics behind the Village People’s famous single, but whenever we hear the word “YMCA”, we think of a place for everyone; somewhere you can go to participate in various activities and find a sense of community.
Yet it only comes alive when the people who make up the YMCA embody that belief. Enter Corri Lewellen and Audrey Pickett: two women who are taking that sentiment and making it a reality.
They are the spirit of the YMCA’s mission as this trainer and member work together to make the Hannibal YMCA in Missouri more accessible to its community.
A Chance Meeting that Sparks a Change
When you hear Corri and Audrey together, they sound like they’ve known each other for years. The chemistry flows through the speakers as they laugh and feed off of each other’s words. Yet these two women only recently met, and even then through a mishap that opened Corri’s eyes in a way that changed her perspective, and is now changing the YMCA. Corri, the Hannibal YMCA’s Group Fitness & Aquatics Coordinator, had scheduled for a Pound Fit demo to take place one evening that was designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities. The class uses lightweight drumsticks to create an exhilarating aerobic exercise class that helps tone the body and builds strength. However, she realized the moment she walked into an empty room that something was amiss. Originally, she had placed the class on the second floor, which was accessible only by the stairwell. As she trotted downstairs to identify the problem, she saw Audrey in her wheelchair. “It was an ‘oh crap’ moment,” Corri said. “I realized how limited my thinking was that I stuck this class upstairs.” Corri’s mistake opened her eyes so she could begin seeing the accessibility needs of the disabled community. They swiftly set up the class in a room everyone could access and the Pound Fit demo was a hit. As Corri invited participants to let her know if they wanted to continue it on a regular basis, Audrey quickly voiced her interest.Learning How to Understand Each Other
Corri is one of many people who fail to see the whole picture behind accessibility challenges. It’s a constant challenge people with disabilities face in a world that is mostly designed without physical challenges in mind. People either don’t see the world’s hurdles from their perspective or they’re afraid to connect and learn.
Audrey, who has lived her entire life navigating through a wheelchair, can attest to this.
“I think society and most people—not everyone, but most people—put us in boxes,” she said. “A lot of people have looked at me and saw the disability and not me as a person, so my goal is to let them see the person inside that has this disability instead of the chair.”
When it comes to speaking up, Audrey isn’t shy. She has the courage to point out challenges that need to be heard. It’s changing the way Corri and Hannibal YMCA’s staff see their community.
“My goal is to be a light and a sounding board for other people with disabilities that don’t have the courage to stand up and say, ‘Hey, this is what needs to happen,’” she said.
Which is why she encourages others to be bold as well. She doesn’t want the fear of offending someone or asking the wrong question keep people from connecting with and understanding the disabled community.
“No question is a stupid question,” Audrey emphasized. “Every disability is different. Growing up, and throughout my life, I’ve lost a lot of friends because they think they’re going to break me. Give it a chance. You can’t just assume one thing when it’s actually going to be another; you can’t assume it’s going to be a bad situation when it’s not going to be or shouldn’t be.”