Overcoming Barriers Program Guide
Spring 2019
How Did It All Begin? While working on his Ph.D. in Adapted Physical Education at UVA, Dr. Moran provided community-based
camps and clinics for individuals with Disabilities through his Just for Kicks program. In the spring of 2007, after numerous
calls and inquiries from families and parents in Harrisonburg Dr. Moran given a wonderful opportunity to bring his Just for Kicks
program to Harrisonburg. Dr. Jackie Williams and several health and physical education students were instrumental in securing
the facilities and making the one day clinic possible. A year later, a position opened up within the Physical and Health Education
Teacher Education (PHETE) program at JMU and Dr. Moran was blessed to get an offer to come to JMU. In his first year, he
created Project CLIMB, which served as a practicum for PHETE students enrolled in his adapted physical education course in
the fall semester. He had 15 PHETE students so he was able to offer 15 slots to children and adults with disabilities in the
community. The first program took place at Keister Elementary. Dr. Moran knew there was a need for opportunities for
individuals with disabilities in the area, but he also knew his future health and PE teachers needed hands on experience
working with students with disabilities who they were soon going to be asked to successfully include in their future
classrooms. After CLIMB finished that fall, many families asked what opportunities would exist in the spring? Dr. Moran did not
teach adapted PE in the spring. In the fall 2009 and spring of 2010, Dr. Moran was blessed with exercise science interns that
helped him to pilot programs not tied to specific courses. The response from the community was very overwhelming and he
quickly knew he needed to expand outreach of volunteers beyond the department of Kinesiology. In the spring of 2009, Dr.
Moran was fortunate to receive 3 years of funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services to create
Overcoming Barriers to launch year round physical activity opportunities for children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities
throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Background & History
Welcome to Empowerment3
Overcoming Barriers is our physical activity and wellness mentoring program for children, adolescents, and adults with
disabilities. The programs uses a one on one mentor/mentee model and is designed around the concept of "Empowerment".
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities hoping to produce significant changes in self-efficacy. Through the
vehicle of physical activity and wellness programs, the programming assists each mentee to acquire the skills, knowledge, and
appropriate attitudes to achieve success and work towards making significant changes in health, wellness, function, and
community integration outcomes. Our programming is available to anyone with a disability or limitation which inhibits his or her
ability to participate in physical activity successfully with same age peers. This includes but is not limited to: Autism,
Emotional/Behavior Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Physical Disabilities (including individuals who use wheelchairs),
Learning Disabilities, Hearing Impairments, Visual Impairments, Other Health Impairments, etc.
What is Overcoming Barriers?
What is Empowerment3? Empowerment3 is the center for physical activity and wellness for underserved youth. Overcoming Barriers is the primary
program offered under this JMU sponsored center. The creation of Empowerment3 demonstrated JMU’s commitment to
supporting the mission of Overcoming Barriers as well as providing a strong connection between teaching, research, and
service for underserved youth and individuals with disabilities throughout the Shenandoah Valley and across the state/region.
In addition to running Overcoming Barriers, Empowerment3 conducts numerous research projects each year (i.e. barriers to
participation; participation’s impact on wellness outcomes; Quadriciser; etc). The center also facilitates statewide outreach
events, such as a weeklong summer camp. The center’s mission is to empower and equip underserved youth, their parents,
college students (as future professionals) and community organizations to influence positive change in the immediate and
future communities.
Greetings Members of the Shenandoah Valley Community -
We are excited to launch our 6th year of the Empowerment3 Center and our 8th year of Overcoming Barriers programming.
For those of you who are already part of the Overcoming Barriers Family, Welcome Back! For those of you who are hearing
about Overcoming Barriers and our Empowerment3 center for the first time - We welcome you with open arms and are
excited to meet you! Our center's mission is to use the vehicle of physical activity and mentorship to EMPOWER individuals
of ALL ABILITIES in our community.
Each year, we have the exciting challenge of welcoming and training a new team of students and staff! This year's team are
dedicated to providing the best quality programming possible for children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities. Each
have joined our Empowerment3 team because they want to maximize the abilities of each participant.
Our programs are open to all community members, regardless of age, ability, income status, etc. Many years ago, when I was
traveling around the country conducting sports camps for individuals with disabilities, I had family members, caregivers,
professionals, and community members share how great these opportunities were for their community. Unfortunately the
next sentence often was, "but I am not sure they will work for (fill in the blank with person's name). So I began putting at the
bottom of the camp flyer, "If you think your child can't do this, bring them and we will show you they can". As executive
director of the Empowerment3 center, I stand behind this statement. Did this mean I always had the answers out of the
gate, "NO" but I was committed to doing all I could to ensure any child, adolescent, or adult with any disability had the
opportunity to be successful and I would not stop until success was achieved! Our team is dedicated to working tirelessly
each week to help every mentee (participant) reach his or her potential. Some of my greatest moments with
Empowerment3 is seeing the look on a mentee or mentee's parent's face when he or she has done something they never
thought was possible! In those moments, disability melts away and ABILITY shines bright!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing each of you this fall. Many Blessings and Thank You for your Support
Dr. Tom Moran
Empowerment3 Executive Director
540-568-4877
Dr. Moran ~ Empowerment3 Executive Director
Welcome from the E3 Team
I am so excited to continue working with Empowerment3 and Overcoming Barriers during the Spring 2019 semester! I have
worked with Overcoming Barriers for the past three and a half years and have been so blessed to be able to see mentees,
mentors, and the community grow in a multitude of ways. Thank you all for your continued support for the Empowerment3
team and for the trust that you place in us. Please do not hesitate to reach out and provide ideas or feedback at any time. If
you have any questions or concerns throughout the semester regarding Overcoming Barriers, our programs, our any of our
partners, please do not hesitate to reach me at [email protected] or at (973) 392-8268!
Alli Cadematori - Empowerment3 Director of Communication & Family Contact
Spring 2019 Weekly Schedule
All programs are open to individuals of all abilities. Programs are adapted and modified
accordingly to fit the needs of all mentees. When possible, programs are divided into groups
based based on mentee age. All programs run for nine weeks from January 26th through April
7th. See below for details.
Please note: These programs are reverse inclusion programs; although priority registration
will be given to individuals with disabilities. If you or your mentee would like to take part in a
program but do(es) not have a disability, please fill out a registration application and you will
be provided with more information via email on whether or not spots are available.
Please continue to read through this program guide to find specific dates and information
about each program.
Spring 2019 Calendar
Spring 2019 Calendar
Activities will encourage children to participate in different sensory experiences including touch/deep pressure, kinesthetic input,
body/spatial awareness, as well as auditory and visual input. This program incorporates physical activity through the use of play
skills.
• For ages 2-5
• Dates & Location: Mondays January 28th – April 1st from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Kinetic Kids Gym--4753 Spotswood Trail, Penn
Laird, VA
• Price: $50 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Builders and Bulldozers
Program Descriptions and Details
Kidnastics
Child-centered approach to teaching gymnastics that incorporates elements of traditional and educational gymnastics. Students
work at their own pace with their mentor on skills appropriate to their ability level. Skills focused on within Kidnastics include
rolling, balancing, vaulting (movement on your hands), and jumping.
• For ages 3-12
• Dates & Location: Mondays January 28th – April 1st from 5:00-6:00 pm in Godwin Hall on JMU Campus--261 Bluestone Dr
Harrisonburg, VA
• Price: $50 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Participants will learn about the importance of healthy eating and how to prepare basic meals, while taking part in activities that
promote the development of social skills. Participants will have a family-style meal at each session. For ages 8 and up.
• Dates & Location: Tuesdays January 29th – April 2nd from 5:30-7:00 pm, location to be determined before the start of the
program.
• Price: $65 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Dinner Club
Continue to the next pages for more program offerings and registration information.
Program Descriptions Continued KIN 429
Multisport ~ Golf and Archery Combination
Cycling ~ Indoor and Outdoor Combination
Continue to the next pages for more program offerings and registration information.
Students enrolled in the adapted physical education course at JMU will perform a comprehensive assessment on your child’s
motor skills and fitness level. Individualized physical activity plans are created by JMU students to provide children the
opportunity to develop in physical activity settings. This program is by invitation or special request only.
• For ages 4-22.
• Dates & Location: Tuesdays January 29th – April 2nd from 5:30-6:30 pm in Godwin Hall on JMU Campus--261 Bluestone Dr
Harrisonburg, VA
• Price: FREE for all 9 sessions
The first five weeks of the program will take place at Godwin Hall and teach the basics of archery. The last four weeks will take
place at First Tee Harrisonburg, where mentees will develop golf skills under a golf professional.
• For ages 8 and up.
• Dates & Location: Wednesdays January 30th – April 3rd from 6:00-7:00 pm.
• Weeks 1-5 will be in Godwin Hall at JMU (261 Bluestone Dr Harrisonburg, VA)
• Weeks 6-9 will be at First Tee Harrisonburg (690 Garbers Church Road Harrisonburg, VA)
• Price: $50 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Participants will participate in group, fitness-focused indoor cycling and also work on outdoor bike riding skills, including road
safety, balance, and coordination.
• For ages 8 and up.
• Dates & Location: Wednesdays January 30th – April 3rd from 6:00-7:00 pm in Godwin Hall on JMU Campus--261 Bluestone Dr
Harrisonburg, VA
• Price: $50 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Program Descriptions Continued
This program is designed for mentees who are sufficient swimmers. Mentees will take part in a program designed to increase
their swimming fitness and ability. Mentees who sign up for this program should be able to swim laps and have an interest in
increasing their endurance and improving their swimming technique. A swim test will be required on the first day of program.
• For all ages
• Dates & Location: Sundays January 27th – April 7th from 4:00-5:00 pm at JMU UREC--701 Driver Drive Harrisonburg, VA
• Price: $75 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Master Aquatics
Whether your child needs to gain the necessary skills to be able to become more independent in the water or they need to
improve their current swimming skills – this swimming program is designed to meet your child’s ability level. We have partnered
with JMU UREC to use two pools, a therapeutic pool and a fitness pool.
• For any age.
• Dates & Location: Saturdays January 26th – April 6th from 10:00-10:45 am OR 11:00-11:45 am at JMU UREC--701 Driver Drive
Harrisonburg, VA
• Price: $75 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available) (Fee includes cost of facilities, lifeguards, and required staffing)
Aquatics
This program will work on students' strength, flexibility, and cardio-respiratory endurance. Fitness takes place in the weight room
in Godwin Hall and involves using machinery such as treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and weight lifting machines.
• For ages 10-Adult
• Dates & Location: Thursdays January 31st – April 4th from 6:00-7:00 pm in Godwin Hall on JMU Campus --261 Bluestone Dr
Harrisonburg, VA
• Price: $50 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Fitness
The Elkton Community Center has partnered with us to create a program where all participants are winners! This program aims to
increase the confidence of all mentees while they develop sport, teamwork, and social skills. Mentees will participate in a wide
range of sports and fitness related games.
• For ages 4-22.
• Dates & Location: Thursdays January 31st – April 4th from 5:00-6:00 pm at the Elkton Community Center--20593 Blue & Gold
Dr Elkton, VA
• Price: $50 for all 9 sessions (Scholarships available)
Everybody Plays, Everybody Wins!
Program Enrollment Requirements
1. Must submit all paperwork electronically or contact us over the phone to enroll. Mentees must participate in pre- fitness as well
as post-testing to enroll/participate. These testing dates are pre-built into the schedule for the semester. Failure to adhere to
these requirements could result a participant’s inability to participate next semester. Without each participant’s data we may be
unable to secure funding to support future programs and keep fees down. The pre-post data has helped us secure funds to keep
fees the same for the last three semesters.
2. All required paperwork and program fees must be submitted at the start of the first program. Spots are limited and while you
may have a space reserved, your spot is not guaranteed until payment is received. Without submission of appropriate paperwork,
the organization could be held liable if an injury were to take place and documentation was not on file.
3. Agree to bring participant to all scheduled programs. If participant must miss a program due to illness, family conflict,
travel/weather concern, etc. – parent or guardian will notify specific program contact (in advance if possible). Please remember
each participant’s mentor is a volunteer and if participant does not show, the volunteer believes he or she is no longer needed and
often drops out, which leaves us shorthanded if the participant attends future weeks.
Appropriate Program Attire
1. Please ensure all participants have appropriate footwear (sneakers/tennis shoes) for land-based programs. Ensure
clean flip flops, crocs, or water shoes for water-based programs.
2. Please ensure all participants wear appropriate athletic wear to programs. Shorts or exercise pants, and t-shirt for land based
programs; one piece, shorts/t-shirt, or two-piece with cover for water-based programs. This is to ensure the safety of participants
as well as protect mentors and equipment.
Program Fees
1. The fees are listed next to each program. Scholarships are available - based on financial need. Applicants must provide written
justification. Scholarship participants are limited to one program. Scholarships are paid by independent donors who want to
support participants in our area. The mentee's spot is not guaranteed until payment or scholarship documentation is received.
Inclement Weather Policy
1. If JMU OR Harrisonburg City Schools are closed, programs are automatically cancelled. If afternoon/evening
weather is deemed unsafe for parents/guardians and students, programs could be cancelled.
2. If programs are cancelled the day before or by 12:30pm that day – participants will be notified by e-mail. If cancellations are
made after 12:30pm, participants will receive a call. It will also be posted to our facebook page.
Photo Release
Overcoming Barriers often creates newsletters, training segments, promotional and/or educational materials. Photos may be
taken during programs. Indication that you would not like photos of your mentee taken must be identified on the registration form
if applicable.
Program Policy
Programs have strict minimums and maximums. Filling out a registration form does
not guarantee a mentee a spot in a program, but is a request to partake in the
program. Information will be provided by email within one week of filling out the
registration form. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have
any questions or concerns.
Please register each mentee individually by using the online form via the link or QR
code below:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/OvercomingBarriers1/Empowerment3Spring2019
OvercomingBarriersProgramsRegistration
Program Registration