Already I’ve gone from barely being able to move to just about ready to walk… I’m looking forward to coming for years to come just because it helped keep me healthy, but it’s also key in my recovery to supplement and work with my physical therapy.”
– Glenn Hillegas (client since 2013)
This program is why I get up and move at all.”
– Karen Cooper (client since 2009)
Initially, I was skeptical because I questioned how well-equipped a student would be. My concern was unfounded. Students are very knowledgeable, encouraging and focused on recovery, along with the clinic’s staff that provides feedback and instructions to the trainees… I’m able to perform tasks which I took for granted before the stroke. I can now tie my shoe, hold a fork, turn off a light, write a check and walk without a cane.”
– John Gilmore (client since 2015)
By working with actual clients with real disabilities, I was able to use all my theoretical knowledge as well as learn how to communicate effectively with clients and patients, something we’d never be able to learn in a traditional classroom setting… Every one of my clients challenged me and encouraged me in different and unique ways, and they gave more to me than I could have ever given them. This hands-on experience at the clinic was by far my favorite and most impactful class I had taken at SDSU.”
– Sarah Shaw (Physical Therapy Aide at Sharp Hospital Sports Medicine, previous student
After a few sessions I could start to see more mobility in [my daughter’s] hands [and] the best thing is that, since starting the program, she is able to sleep better at night. The staff is caring and shows great professionalism and we are grateful for the work that they do.”
– Carmen Torres (mother/caregiver of client, attending since 2015)
[My wife] is motivated mentally, emotionally, and spiritually by the technicians that are here at San Diego State and the equipment that is available to her…The staff here at San Diego State have been a godsend to Flo and myself… I wish I’d done it earlier.”
– Claude Greve (husband/caregiver of client, attending since 2013)
[My favorite part] was just seeing [the clients] progress because you get one client per semester… you get to put them on a program and just see them get better and see them work and it’s amazing. It raised my confidence a lot… [When] you’re seeing that progression that you’re responsible for, it’s a big boost of confidence.”
– Tianna Woods (SDSU Doctor of Physical Therapy student, program alumna 2013)
The SDSU’s Fitness Clinic hosted 2 of my students from the San Diego City College’s Fitness Specialist Program for internships. The students had very positive hands-on experiences working with a wide variety of people with disabilities. Not only did the students learn leadership skills and specific exercise routines for challenged athletes, they gained a immense amount of confidence, which will help them work with any client. My students were better people after the experience too due to getting in touch with their the compassion and empathy.”
– Ellen Turkel (Professor of Health and Exercise Science, San Diego City College)