Recently,a bill was introduced in the Senate to improve access to fitness facilities for people with disabilities. Introduced by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), "The Exercise and Fitness for All Act" (S. 1244) would promote access to exercise or fitness equipment, instruction, and classes.

It calls upon the Access Board to issue guidelines for exercise or fitness equipment to ensure that the appropriate number and type of accessible equipment is provided at a facility. The Department of Justice would be responsible for regulations to implement the new guidelines and to address exercise or fitness classes and instruction. The law also would authorize tax credits to help cover the cost of new accessible equipment. Senator Duckworth introduced a similar measure in December at the end of the previous Congress.

The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration. For further information, visit www.congress.gov