Degree Deodorant launches the #TrainersForHire initiative – a call for more representation in the fitness industry by encouraging fitness companies to hire trainers with disabilities.
New research from partner Lakeshore Foundation, a nonprofit organization specializing in sports science for athletes with disabilities around the world, found that 81% of people with disabilities do not feel welcome in fitness spaces.
It’s evident that disabled athletes face heightened discrimination and bias as a result of societal ability standards. This is compounded by the lack of representation of disabled trainers and coaches in the fitness industry and the limited access to inclusive fitness spaces, a media release from Degree deodorant explains.
TrainersForHire Online Hiring Portal
As a result, Degree has created TrainersForHire.com – a site where fitness companies can find a growing roster of diverse disabled trainers and coaches looking for employment within the industry and reach out to them directly for potential employment. The site also features a free online portal with curated and educational resources where companies can learn more about how to make their spaces accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.
“As a brand, Degree believes no one should be held back from experiencing the transformative benefits of movement. That’s why we’re fighting for a world where everyone has the confidence to move. With #TrainersforHire, our mission is to advocate for more diverse champions of movement and challenge societal ability standards.”
— Kathryn Swallow, Global Brand Vice President, Degree
Watch Me Move
To support the initiative, Degree recently launched new marketing titled “Watch Me Move,” starring professional surfer, life coach, and adaptability advocate Bethany Hamilton. Aired during the recent Paralympic Games, the film celebrates diverse, authentic stories of those who have defied society’s idealized ability standards and definitions of what a “mover” looks like.
“I’ve experienced judgment and maybe a little bit of discrimination firsthand against my ability as an athlete. I’m thrilled to partner with Degree and cheer on healthy change in the fitness industry and to increase representation of the adaptive community. Movement is for everyone, regardless of our differences.”
— Bethany Hamilton
Together, the spot and #TrainersforHire campaign underscore Degree’s ongoing efforts to create products and experiences that better serve the needs of people with disabilities. Most recently, the brand introduced Degree Inclusive, the world’s first inclusive deodorant for people with upper limb disabilities and visual impairment. Now, Degree is also bringing these efforts full circle by announcing its role as the first dedicated strategic partner of the United States Para Soccer Team.
With more programming ahead, these collective efforts ladder back to Degree’s larger Breaking Limits program, a $5 million commitment over the next five years to empower millions of people to move beyond limits – supporting those who face the biggest barriers to being active (including people with disabilities) and providing them access to coaches, mentors, and safe spaces to move, the release explains.
[Source(s): Degree, PR Newswire]
