Understanding Visual Impairment

A comprehensive overview of key concepts and skills essential for supporting clients with visual impairments in fitness environments and designing efficient and effective programs.

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Students will learn how to:

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Get to know

The Educators

Evan Schwerbrock developed Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy shortly after earning his Bachelor's Degree in Health Science. Within two weeks, his sight became significantly impaired, he could no longer drive and had to figure out how to adapt to the gym and life in general.

Evan went on to receive his Master's Degree in Kinesiology, become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a professor, and personal trainer. In 2020, he founded Cane and Able Fitness, a resource providing applicable and accessible health information to the blind and visually impaired community.

He has helped people all over the world overcome the challenges that come with low vision to live healthier, happier lives. Evan also applies the same principles that he teaches to his own training, winning international competitions in Strongman events.

Brendan Aylward is the owner of Unified Health and Performance, an inclusive strength and conditioning facility in MA, and Executive Director of AdaptX, a non-profit organization that aims to improve the health and fitness of individuals with disabilities through education, research, advocacy, and opportunity.

His companies contribute to the growing body of adaptive fitness literature through The Rick Hoyt Research Lab, where they pursue two lines of clinical and translational science: 1) The optimization of exercise delivery in people with ID/PD, and 2) The implementation of accessible and inclusive fitness environments. Brendan and his friend, Jacob, have been a part of Team Hoyt New England since 2014, completing more than 100 races, including six marathons, together as a duo.