10News honored Dr. Peter Aufsesser in 1998 for founding the Fitness Clinic for Individuals with Disabilities, a community outreach program through the Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University.

Aufsesser founded the Clinic in 1983 with the assistance of a federal grant from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. The Clinic offers those with physical disabilities the opportunity to reach their fitness and exercise goals. SDSU Kinesiology students also benefit from the program, receiving a hands-on training experience by working directly with the clients on exercises and activities.

This school year is the 25th year of providing service and training without university funding. Since the Clinic's opening, over 1,200 individuals have found a place to improve their health and wellness and 3,000 students have been provided with training experience. The Fitness Clinic currently serves about 75 clients each semester and trains over 175 students per year.

The Clinic has recently entered into a cooperative agreement with SDSU’s Interwork Institute and community partners, trying to secure funds to move to a new interdisciplinary facility in the future. They are hoping for a $2 million donor to allow the move to Mission Valley, which will provide better facilities. This ideal environment will serve more clients and train more students entering health professions.

For more information, please contact the Fitness Clinic for Individuals with Disabilities at 619-594-1917 or visit www.sdsufitnessclinic.org.