Adapted Physical Exercise (APEX) Research Group
About APEX
The University of Windsor’s Department of Kinesiology’s APEX Research Group supports healthy living of people with disabilities (autism spectrum and intellectual disability (ASD-ID) through physical activity. APEX programs improve fitness and motor skills of adults with ASD-ID, while teaching proper exercise techniques safely. APEX programming has been positively evaluated by participants and support staff, identified as providing confidence skills to engage in an active lifestyle, resulting in continued exercise engagement. The impact of this program is extended and sustained through knowledge transferred by way of an APEX manual, website, workshops/webinars and videos. This program highlights a model of a sustained community-based health program for people with developmental disabilities.
Our Mission:
To enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through full inclusion in physical activity and sport.
Our Purpose:
To ensure inclusive, barrier-free participation in physical activity and sport for adults with developmental disabilities by providing adapted physical exercise programming with the goal of enhancing overall health and quality of life.
To use sport and physical activity as a vehicle for social change by showcasing the strengths of adults with developmental disabilities in a physical activity and sport environment.
To conduct research that contributes to the fields of adapted physical exercise, disability and sport, and sport for social change, as well as informs policy and practice for developmental services.
Our People
Co-Directors
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Sean Horton
PhD
Professor, University of Windsor
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Chad Sutherland
PhD
Director of Operations, CHPH
Collaborators
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Jonathan Weiss
PhD
Professor, York University, Faculty of Health
Department of Psychology
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Sara Scharoun Benson
PhD
Assistant Professor, University of Windsor
Kinesiology
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Nadia Azar
2012-2019
PhD
Associate Professor & Key Contributor, University of Windsor
Kinesiology
-
Steven Bested
2014
MHK
Research Assistant, University of Windsor
Kinesiology
-
Jordan Deneau
2018
BHK
Research Assistant, University of Windsor
Kinesiology
Graduate Students
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Anna Benetau
Current,
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
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Sam Butterworth
Current
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
-
Mikala Jones
Current
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
-
Thomas Lamanna
Current
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
-
Kelly Carr
2021
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
-
Kristen Penrose
2021
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
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Nadine Minott
2020
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
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Suzanne Ali
2016
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology
-
Phillip McKeen
2013
MHK - University of Windsor
Kinesiology