Exercising is easier said than done. This is especially true for people who have intellectual and developmental (I/DD) disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, as they often require support and specialized teachers to participate in activities. Many gyms, however, are expensive to join, and the costs add up should someone be interested in taking classes.

With this in mind, Jake Allyne and Steve Goodman, founders of the Westchester County-based inclusive fitness center, Breakthrough Fit Co., started The Breakthrough Fund. Its goal: To help those with disabilities who want to get healthy but are in need of financial aid to do so.

The program goes one step further: It provides families with a professional who can help them navigate the New York State OPWDD application process and other Medicaid services that can help pay for things such as community classes and activities.

“Our mission is to help the neurodivergent community to live longer and better lives,” says Mark Shearon, who heads the Breakthrough Fund’s board of directors. “My son, Max, is 21 and has special need and is nonverbal. I finally got him to [Breakthrough Fit], where he’s been going twice a week, and I see what a massive difference exercise can make.”

The link between exercise and longevity is well known. Doctors, numerous studies and government agencies all tell us that active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems.

This makes exercise even more important for people with I /DD, as the risk for premature death increases with this population. The lack of equitable access to health care is an obvious reason, but so is a critical lack of physical activity. People with disabilities often exhibit sedentary behaviors, which you can no doubt confirm as you’re likely used to seeing your loved one in front of the TV, and are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without disabilities.

Launched this year, the fund is currently accepting applications for a year of wellness starting January 2025. There’s room for four participants. The window’s closing so, if you’re interested, apply now. The application process for 2026 will start in August 2025 and go approximately through the end of November.

Participants do six wellness activities a month, including activities with the fund’s partners: Able Athletics (inclusive group sports), Swim Angelfish (adaptive swim lessons and water safety), Jennifer Hill Yoga and Diet & Nutrition with Caraballosa Nutrition.

Lena Martino, who has 25 years of experience in the field, is the navigator who guides families through the complex world of OPWDD services.

While the fund currently is designed as a bridge to cover costs while people apply and/or are put on waitlists, it will also consider any neurodivergent or otherwise developmentally disabled child or adult who can prove they’re in need of financial assistance.

If this seems right for your loved one, check it out. It might make a huge difference in their lives.

“Prior to going to Breakthrough, my daughter would go with my husband to the track and walk,” says Ardsley, N.Y., parent Michele Bernstein, whose daughter, Adin, has I/DD. “But it was nothing at the level of exercise she’s getting now at Breakthrough. She gets personal training, weight training and does cardio. She’s very strong and has lost weight.

“They really push her and hold her to a very high standard,” Bernstein adds. “It amazes me what they get out of her. And she loves it.”

Photo: Jake Allyne and a happy exerciser. (Credit: Breakthrough Fit Co.)