Page 26 December 2011 Piper center’s assistance helps disabled exercise By Kara Philp More than six years of planning and design innovations created the new Virginia G. Piper Sports and Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities. The 45,000-square-foot sports and fi tness center, which is managed by Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, showcases versatile concepts and technologies for accommodating members with any form of disability, as well as their assistants and family members. “Disabilities come in all shapes, sizes and forms; this is about everyday people,” said Phil Pangrazio, president and CEO of Arizona Bridge to Independent Living. “We want to be able to serve people with all types of disabilities.” Pangrazio said a recent U.S. Census- based survey revealed that there are more than 465,000 people in Maricopa County living with a disability that affects at least one aspect of daily living. “It’s about one in fi ve, close to 20 percent of the population. A disability in and of itself does not mean someone can’t be healthy,” he said. “For too long people with disabilities have been housed in the basement of a government building and we wanted to turn that paradigm on its head.” While the state-of-the-art center’s custom ramps, spacious locker rooms and wheelchair-friendly seating are a testament to its commitment to the members, it is the less noticeable efforts that set this center apart. “(There are) different architectural features regarding accessibility,” Pangrazio said. “I understand because I have a disability myself.” Pangrazio is a quadriplegic and co- founder of Arizona’s fi rst quadriplegic rugby team. The gym and the group fi tness room have a hearing loop installed, a wire under the fl oor, for assisted listening for people who are hard of hearing, Pangrazio said. As long as the speaker is using a microphone that is connected to the system, a hearing aid will pick up the ampli fi ed voice via sound waves. The fi tness center houses weights and machines, the majority of which are produced by Cybex, a company that specializes in versatile equipment for those with and without speci fi c limitations. “(This) line of equipment is universally functional,” said Loren Worthington, the center’s communications and marketing manager. Continued on page 29 indigofoaminsulation.com 602-304-0800 WHAT’S IN your ATTIC ? ATTIC INSULATION RETROFIT SPECIALIST Old Insulation Removal Perimeter Sealant Re-Installation: Foam, Loose Fill, Batt L • Lower Utility Bills • Improve Indoor Air Quality • Pest (Rat) Elimination & Future Nesting • Environmentally Friendly BENEFITS: Serving the Arcadia Community for 10 Years 602 200 1749 www.treelinedesigngroup.com Landscaping extends your world outdoors. Invest in your lifestyle. S U CC E S S F U L LY T R A N S F O R M I N G A N D TA K I N G C A R E O F A R I ZO N A P R O P E R T I E S F O R 1 8 YE A R S ROC License NO 158731 4520 E Indian School Road Suite #5 Phoenix, AZ 85018 HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Mon - Sat: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • Sun: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mon - Sat: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • Sun: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 602-952-8080 • berridgenursery.com • 4647 E. Camelback Road 602-952-8080 • berridgenursery.com • 4647 E. Camelback Road Visit Our Holiday Shop: Visit Our Holiday Shop: SEASONS by BERRIDGE SEASONS by BERRIDGE Also come see our: Also come see our: Fresh Wreaths and Garland, Hydrangeas, Fresh Wreaths and Garland, Hydrangeas, Paul Ecke Poinsettias, Paul Ecke Poinsettias, Rosemary Trees, Rosemary Trees, Christmas Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Potted Amaryllis. Potted Amaryllis. Bare-root roses arriving 3rd week in December! Bare-root roses arriving 3rd week in December! Full service landscape design and Full service landscape design and installation just in time for the Holidays. installation just in time for the Holidays. Celebrating 73 years! Celebrating 73 years!

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