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

  • Sean Horton

    PhD

    Professor, University of Windsor

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  • Chad Sutherland

    PhD

    Director of Operations, CHPH

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Collaborators

Graduate Students

  • Anna Benetau

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Sam Butterworth

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Mikala Jones

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Thomas Lamanna

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Kelly Carr

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Kristen Penrose

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Nadine Minott

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Suzanne Ali

    MHK - University of Windsor

  • Phillip McKeen

    MHK - University of Windsor