NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For many children with disabilities, finding recreational activities that are both inclusive and supportive can be a significant challenge. Flip for Function, a Nashville-based program founded in 2019, is working to change that, combining occupational therapy with adaptive and inclusive gymnastics to create a space where all children can experience the joy of movement and build confidence. The program currently serves over 100 students, and its impact extends far beyond the gymnasium, offering a lifeline for families seeking opportunities their children might otherwise be denied.
Founder Chasity Hagerty’s journey to creating Flip for Function began unexpectedly. While coaching gymnastics as a teenager and throughout college, she found a deep satisfaction in helping young athletes develop their skills. After earning a degree in journalism and marketing, however, she felt a pull toward a more service-oriented profession. A pivotal moment came while providing private gymnastics lessons to a young girl with Down syndrome. The girl’s mother suggested Hagerty might be well-suited for occupational therapy, noting her holistic approach and ability to connect with her daughter. Hagerty researched the field and, recognizing its potential to combine her passion for movement with a desire to serve the community, enrolled in Belmont University’s Occupational Therapy program. She quickly realized a necessitate for recreationally based classes specifically designed for children with special needs, planting the seed for what would become Flip for Function.
Filling a Gap in Recreational Opportunities
Hagerty noticed a recurring theme: children with disabilities were often excluded from mainstream recreational programs. “A lot of times whenever kids come to us, most of the time they have come to us given that they have either been — for a lack of a better word — kicked out of other programs or asked not to come back,” she explained, according to reporting from WSMV. This realization fueled her commitment to creating a truly inclusive environment. Flip for Function doesn’t simply adapt existing gymnastics routines; it builds programs around each child’s individual needs and abilities. The program’s core principles are inclusivity and adaptability, blending occupational therapy techniques with the fun and challenge of gymnastics.
The Power of Adaptive Gymnastics
The benefits of this approach are profound. Parents report increased confidence, improved motor skills, and a sense of belonging for their children. Michelle Lepkowski, whose daughter Charlie attends Flip for Function, travels over an hour and twenty minutes each week for her daughter to participate. “It’s built a lot of confidence in both of them,” Lepkowski said, “and Charlie has struggled to find herself…the opportunity for her to feel like just a typical kid but still get the things she needs — we just couldn’t pass that up.” This sentiment underscores the program’s success in creating a normalizing and empowering environment for children who often face exclusion.
Hagerty’s background in occupational therapy informs the program’s approach. She earned her degree from Belmont University, and during her studies, she developed a pilot Adaptive Gymnastics Program in Northern California, partnering with an Occupational Therapy clinic and a gymnastics gym. This experience solidified her vision for Flip for Function and provided a foundation for its unique methodology.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Impact
As demand for Flip for Function’s services continues to grow, Hagerty is focused on securing a larger facility. “I really want to be in a much bigger space so that way we can serve so many more kids, but then that way likewise our current kids who are with us now, they can also grow along with us because we know there are so few options out there and we want to always kind of be there to support them,” she stated. This expansion would allow the program to accommodate more students and potentially offer a wider range of services, further solidifying its role as a vital resource for the Nashville community.
Flip for Function represents more than just a gymnastics program; it’s a testament to the power of inclusive recreation and the dedication of individuals like Chasity Hagerty who are committed to creating opportunities for all children to thrive. The program’s continued growth and success will depend on ongoing community support and the pursuit of larger facilities to meet the increasing demand for adaptive and inclusive gymnastics in the region.
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