Democrats in Congress are pushing for federal policies to make gyms and fitness centers in the United States accessible to Americans with disabilities.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Democrat of California, has introduced a bill to “encourage savings Exercise machines and equipment, exercise and fitness classes, and instruction, that are accessible to individuals with disabilities” earlier this week, the Congressional Record shows.
It appears to be a companion bill to the “Exercise and Fitness for All” Act that Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., introduced in the Senate earlier this year.
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Rep. Mark DeSaulnier introduced the bill on Christmas Eve. (Getty Images)
The legislation would direct American Access Councila federal agency that regulates accessibility for people with disabilities, to create new rules for fitness facilities across the country.
It would require that “exercise or fitness instruction provided by an exercise or fitness service provider be accessible to individuals with disabilities,” and that at least one employee trained to work with people with disabilities be available around the clock during all business hours.
If implemented, it would be a significant step forward for accessibility advocates in the United States, and a major change for potentially hundreds of American companies.
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The bill would be an important step forward for accessibility activists and a potential big change for gym businesses across the country. (Istock)
Duckworth Forbes said In July of this year, part of her inspiration for the bill came from her own struggle to find suitable gym equipment. Duckworth, a retired lieutenant colonel, lost both of her legs when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the helicopter she was flying in Iraq in 2004.
She and DeSaulnier were part of an earlier campaign in the 117th Congress to introduce the bill, along with the late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.
“Too many Americans remain excluded from basic access to exercise equipment and fitness classes due to outdated equipment and services, which are not accessible to individuals with disabilities,” DeSaulnier said in a statement at the time.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 that make it difficult for individuals with disabilities to get the exercise they need to live healthy lives.”
Tuesday's reintroduction of the bill appears largely symbolic, considering there are no other legislative days on the calendar of the 118th Congress.
Fox News Digital has reached out to DeSaulnier's office for further comment.
