Our Values
At the AES Lab, innovations in adapted exercise science are driven by our core values of inclusivity, autonomy, and improvement.
Inclusivity
The AES-NDD Lab has a people-first approach to research. Our interdisciplinary methods incorporate diverse academic perspectives to put together an informed view of health. We prioritize the inclusion of neurodiverse voices in the design of systems that will ensure their continued success.
The Power of Inclusive Research
What happens when we approach health research from an inclusive mindset?
There are many aspects of health that come together to shape a person's experience: Like the physical, mental, social, and psychological. But, these aspects are not equally covered by individual areas of research. By collaborating with others, we can bridge gaps between different sources of knowledge to build a holistic understanding of a person's health.
Research Themes
Our research program focuses on supporting the quality of life and health of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those who experience a menstrual cycle.
Neurodevelopmental disabilities
Historically, people with neurodevelopmental disabilities have been excluded from exercise science research, contributing to a reluctance to participate in physical activity. In particular, the exclusion of women and girls with neurodevelopmental disabilities leaves significant gaps not only in research, but in services, resources and policy. We seek to bridge these gaps.
Menstrual Health
Menstrual health is a fundamental human right, but can be challenging for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities to navigate. Our work explores the physical, psychological and social implications of menstrual health on individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities feel empowered and well-equipped to manage their menstrual health.
From childhood to aging adults
Navigating a neurodevelopmental disability is different at every stage of life. Whether individuals are just coming to terms with their disability, or have been managing symptoms lifelong, our research aims to capture the unique aspects of neurodevelopmental disabilities at all stages of life, regardless of diagnosis and circumstance. Research at the AES spans the entire life cycle, from children to aging adults, to support individuals so that they may experience optimal health and wellbeing throughout their lives.
Physical activity and sport participation
Physical activity is fundamental to wellbeing, and has been shown to have numerous benefits...alleviate symptoms of neurodevelopmental disabilities. people with ndds have been discouraged from participating in sports and ets
Autonomy
We strive to maintain the autonomy of people who exercise with accommodations. The questions in AES we explore pertain to individuals' control over their health, and knowledge of healthy physical practices. Our goal is to empower people with neurodevelopmental disabilities about making decisions related to their health.
Research Themes
Our research program focuses on supporting the quality of life and health of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those who experience a menstrual cycle.
Neurodevelopmental disabilities
Historically, people with neurodevelopmental disabilities have been excluded from exercise science research, contributing to a reluctance to participate in physical activity. In particular, the exclusion of women and girls with neurodevelopmental disabilities leaves significant gaps not only in research, but in services, resources and policy. We seek to bridge these gaps.
Menstrual Health
Menstrual health is a fundamental human right, but can be challenging for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities to navigate. Our work explores the physical, psychological and social implications of menstrual health on individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities feel empowered and well-equipped to manage their menstrual health.
From childhood to aging adults
Navigating a neurodevelopmental disability is different at every stage of life. Whether individuals are just coming to terms with their disability, or have been managing symptoms lifelong, our research aims to capture the unique aspects of neurodevelopmental disabilities at all stages of life, regardless of diagnosis and circumstance. Research at the AES spans the entire life cycle, from children to aging adults, to support individuals so that they may experience optimal health and wellbeing throughout their lives.
Physical activity and sport participation
Physical activity is fundamental to wellbeing, and has been shown to have numerous benefits...alleviate symptoms of neurodevelopmental disabilities. people with ndds have been discouraged from participating in sports and ets
Our Mission
At the AES-NDD Lab, our mission is to advance the physical literacy of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities through participatory research methods.
Our Vision
At the AES Lab, we envision a world where all people have equal opportunity to grow, thrive, and flourish.
Our Impact
The AES-NDD Lab is committed to mobilizing findings to everyone involved in our research. For maximum impact, we produce resources in accessible, easy-read formats.
Improvement
Research in Adapted Exercise Science (AES) can always do more to make physical activity a universally enriching, fulfilling experience. On top of studying novel concepts in AES, our lab also revisits previously explored topics, with the goal of making improvements to existing resources.
Land Acknowledgement
The Adapted Exercise Science Lab respectfully acknowledges that we reside on the historical and current traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, including land of the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Calgary is situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. Members of the Adapted Exercise Science Lab are committed to learning about, reflecting on, and supporting Indigenous People’s rights for self-determination.