Democrats in Congress are pushing for a federal policy that would require gyms and fitness centers in the United States to be accessible to Americans with disabilities.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., introduced the bill. “To promote the procurement of exercise machines and equipment Exercise and fitness classes Including various advice accessible to people with disabilities” earlier this week
It appears to be a draft law that includes The “Exercise and Fitness for All Act” introduced by House Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., in the upper chamber earlier this year
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Rep. Mark DeSaulnier introduced the bill on Christmas Eve. (Getty Images)
The legislation would establish the U.S. Access Board, a federal agency that regulates access for people with disabilities. Create new rules for gyms across the country.
It will be determined that “The exercise or exercise instruction offered by the exercise or exercise provider is accessible to individuals with disabilities,” and at least one employee is trained in Working with people with disabilities must be at all times during business hours.
If implemented, it would be a major step forward for accessibility advocates in the United States. And it’s a major change for hundreds of businesses in the US.
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This bill would be a major step forward for accessibility activists and could be a big change for gym businesses across the country. (Istock)
Duckworth told forbes In July of this year Part of her inspiration for the bill came from her struggle to find adequate exercise equipment. Duckworth, a retired lieutenant colonel, said: Lost both her legs when a rocket-propelled bomb hit the helicopter she was co-piloting in Iraq in 2004.
She and DeSaulnier were both part of a push earlier in the 117th Congress to introduce the bill. Along with the late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.
“(F)Too many Americans continue to be excluded from access to basic exercise equipment and exercise classes. due to outdated equipment and services It is not accessible to people with disabilities,” DeSaulnier said in a statement at the time.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth introduced a similar bill in the Senate earlier this year.
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“It is unacceptable that these barriers still exist. This makes it more difficult for individuals with disabilities to get the exercise they need to live a healthy life.”
The bill was reintroduced on Tuesday. It appears to be mostly symbolic. Looking at the calendar of the 118th Congress, there will be no more legislative days.
Fox News Digital has reached out to DeSaulnier’s office for further comment.
