THE TURN
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Mission Statement
Inspiring hope and enhancing the health and well-being of people with physical disabilities in Northeast Ohio.
About This Cause
Founded in 2002, The Turn plays a vital and often-overlooked role in the community, providing people with physical disabilities barrier-free opportunities to address their physical, social and recreational needs, while simultaneously improving their health, wellness and overall quality of life. With more than 200 program participants annually – through both individual and group programming – we are a growing nonprofit offering innovative fitness and recreation programs for people with physical disabilities which is made possible thanks to our unique adaptive equipment and accessible facilities. All programs and services are conducted at The Turn’s one-of-a-kind Wharton Center campus, including an indoor golf learning center, fitness center, and 9-hole adaptive golf course and driving range at the North Olmsted Golf Club. Over the last several years, our focus for these facilities has been on achieving “complete accessibility”, so that those with physical disabilities can have easy access to barrier-free fitness and recreation opportunities. Part of this initiative was to establish one of the region’s largest fleets of adaptive vehicles available for public use at The Turn, which today includes four Ottobock Paramobile devices and five SoloRider golf carts; all of which have been made possible thanks to a grant from the Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation, Inc. in 2016 and the generosity of private donors. In addition to our expansive ADA-accessible recreational facility and 9-hole golf course, we have trained staff and partners on hand to support program participants daily. This combination of accessibility and support is largely unmatched anywhere in the region, and allows us to fully implement our mission, “To improve the health and wellness of people with physical disabilities through innovative programs combining functional fitness and adaptive recreation.” According to the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability, individuals with disabilities experience significant health disparities compared to those without disabilities. Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), studies have shown that individuals with disabilities are more likely than people without disabilities to report poorer overall health, less access to adequate healthcare, and increased smoking and physical inactivity. This population is also at increased risk for secondary conditions such as fatigue, obesity, and mental health and depression issues. Much of this is attributable to a lack of social outlets and recreational opportunities that provide them the ability to fully engage with society. People with disabilities need recreation and health programs just like those without disabilities, and for the same reasons – to stay well; to stay active; and to be a part of a community. Yet, individuals with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular, moderate physical activity compared to those without disabilities despite having similar needs. This is often due to the unavailability of necessary accommodations, and lack of confidence and/or know how regarding where to begin in learning (or relearning) recreational activities with a disability. So to the many local adults, children and veterans with disabilities who utilize The Turn weekly, we are more than a place or a program, we are a purpose. This is the case for the Hart Family, whose son T.J. has a traumatic brain injury: "The Turn has become a place where our son 'belongs'. Everyone - staff and volunteers - smile and greet him by name the minute he arrives on the campus and make him feel welcome. The positivity is infectious, and the time spent here is becoming a high point of his week. The change in TJ's spirit and attitude after his time in the weekly program proves to us that The Turn 'works'. This amazing group of people are making a real, positive difference in people's lives, and the Hart family is grateful to everyone there who has enriched our lives." Countless medical studies show that participation in recreational activities helps improve self-esteem, alleviate depressive symptoms, and combat secondary health issues for those with disabilities. And thanks to The Turn and our adaptive recreational opportunities and healthy social environment, members – like T.J. – are able to gain these positive impacts, while helping to maintain long-term health and wellness. To date, The Turn has impacted nearly 1,000 adults, children and veterans with physical disabilities in Northeast Ohio. These participants represent a broad range of physical disabilities, including post-stroke complications, amputation, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Golf has always been one of the primary focuses at The Turn. For nearly two decades, we have been on the forefront of adaptive play, helping those with disabilities fully engage in the game. As a matter of fact, in 2019 The Turn was recognized by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf (NAAG) as a national leader for its unmatched facilities and innovative adaptive golf programs, and was invited to present at the NAAG Inclusive Golf Conference at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. In October 2020, The Turn was also recognized by PGA Magazine (Beating the Odds and Making "The Turn") for its efforts to establish an inclusive PGA Jr. League team at our North Olmsted Golf Club, which includes junior golfers with and without physical disabilities. In the midst of COVID-19, The Turn has continued to offer our invaluable programs and services to members, both in-person and virtually. Although it has been a challenging year, through it all we have witnessed first-hand how important The Turn has become in the lives of our members and the close-knit community we have been able to build for not only them, but for their family and friends.