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Welcome to the Center of Achievement for the Physically Disabled in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Northridge. The Center of Achievement Through Adapted Physical Activity and the Abbott and Linda Brown Western Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapy serve the community through therapeutic excercise programs. The Centers bring hope and restoration to people with chronic physical disabilities in a caring, motivating environment.
At the Center of Achievement we have been dedicated to lifetime physical wellness and promotion of the highest possible level of functional independence for clients. Whether the disability stems from illness or injury, our programs have helped clients through land-based, extended-care therapeutic exercise programs for the physically disabled since 1971.
The Brown Center, a natural extension of the Center of Achievement, became operational in spring, 2003, adapting land-based programs to the aquatic environment. This 19,000 square foot indoor aquatic facility - with four treatment-specific pools - is the only comprehensive facility of its kind in the western United States. Adaptive aquatic therapy allows greater freedom of movement that improves fitness, range of motion, cardiovascular and muscular strength, and quality of life.
The Center of Achievement is also a renowned teaching facility for university students and a model for similar programs worldwide.
The floor of this pool can be raised to deck level and lowered to as deep as seven feet - or set at any level in between. The adjustable floor allows us to work more effectively with wheelchair clients, young children and infants.
The water jets are placed for joint relief to enhance muscle relaxation and pain reduction. The whirlpool spa can be used to reduce spasticity for warm up before an exercise session or relaxation afterward.
Kept at a comfortable 92°, the main pool has two underwater treadmills for stroke rehabilitation, arthritis relief and muscular recovery. It also features a hydro-lift and a long entrance ramp with handrails to allow those working on their gait a progressive reduction of gravity.
Customized for those with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, this pool allows those who are sensitive to heat to participate in a fitness regimen. The pool features water current control for resistance exercises.
Courses are available to CSUN students who want to work with the disabled, as well as students and community members with orthopedic or neurological conditions.
There is a waiting list for some courses. (Contact information appears below).
Department of Kinesiology, Redwood Hall, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge CA 91330-8287 / Phone: 818-677-3205 / Fax: 818-677-3207
© 2006 CSU Northridge