We visited Legacy Elite Cheer to learn more about their CheerAbilities program for my daughter, who uses a wheelchair, and my son, who is nonverbal and has elopement risks. Unfortunately, our visit left us with significant concerns regarding accessibility, safety, staffing, and professionalism.
Upon arrival, there was no staff member present at the front desk. For families of children with disabilities, especially those with elopement risks, adequate supervision and staffing are critical. The lack of anyone available to assist visitors or monitor the entrance immediately raised safety concerns.
I was also concerned about accessibility. The wheelchair ramp did not appear to have appropriate handrails, raising questions about whether the facility is fully accessible and able to safely accommodate athletes with mobility challenges. I used the restroom while I was there and they didn't have railings available for transfers either which would cause a serious issue when my daughter needs to use the restroom. I also didn't see a way for her to access the gym floor in her wheelchair since it is raised with no wheelchair ramp available nor did they have any air conditioning and it was over 100 degrees the day we visited.
What was most troubling, however, was overhearing staff discussing a child with autism in a negative manner within earshot of parents in the waiting area. Regardless of the intent, discussing a child's neurodivergent status publicly is highly unprofessional and creates concerns about how children with disabilities are viewed and supported within the program.
While I appreciate the goal of offering a CheerAbilities team and creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities, those programs require more than good intentions. They require proper training, professionalism, accessibility, and appropriate staffing to ensure athletes are treated with dignity and kept safe. Based on our visit, I had concerns that these expectations were not being fully met.
I hope these issues are addressed so that all children, regardless of their abilities, can participate in a truly inclusive, safe, and supportive environment. I would hope before offering this program they would at minimum meet ADA guidelines. Gyms are specifically listed as businesses that must provide equal access to individuals with disabilities. They are required to make reasonable modifications to policies and remove architectural barriers when it is readily achievable to do so. I would like to hope they intend on getting staff training for elopement risks, and basic confidentiality for our children as our children are already vulnerable and at high risk of being taken advantage of. It doesn't look like we can join at this time which is highly disappointing based on the services they are currently advertising. read more
