Remote Adapted Zumba®: Recommendations for Diverse Needs of Individuals with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities face unique barriers to participation in health-enhancing physical activity and exercise programs, including transportation, a lack of accessible community programs, and a lack of trained staff to deliver programs. Zumba® is a widely available, cognitively engaging, social, and fun exercise program that offers classes adapted for youth (Zumba® Kids) and older adults (Zumba® Gold). However, Zumba® has not presented a class geared to those with disabilities. Delivering Zumba® remotely could even further reduce barriers to exercise for those with disabilities. Thus, a remotely delivered adapted Zumba® program was developed that is conducive to children and adults with disabilities. This paper describes the program’s adaptation and delivery. Examples are presented of individual modifications for those with anxiety, memory, cognitive, balance, communication, and attention differences.