Questions families ask

Athletes of all abilities, ages 10 and up. We specialize in working with people with developmental and other disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome and other developmental or physical disabilities. Not sure if we’re a fit? Call or text us. We’re happy to talk it through.

Everything is built around the athlete. Our coaches have backgrounds in special education and adaptive fitness. We adapt every program to each person’s body, communication style, and sensory needs.

You’ll need a phone, tablet or computer with a camera, a steady internet connection, and enough clear floor space to move safely. We’ll go over setup with you before your first session. If your athlete needs hands-on help, have a caregiver nearby.

• Private: one-on-one personal coaching. Best for new athletes or anyone who does better with individual attention.




• Small group: up to 4 athletes per coach. Personal coaching plus the fun and friendship of training with others.




• Virtual: live coaching from home. Great if travel is hard or you’re not local to Pasadena.

Sessions are 60 minutes.

Yes, adaptive yoga focused on flexibility, balance and calm.

That’s what we’re here for. Our coaches adapt to each athlete. If your athlete needs one-on-one help with personal care or behavior during group classes, please bring a caregiver or support staff. Private sessions are also a great option for athletes who need more individual attention.

Yes, we do offer programs and training for family and caregivers to exercise alongside your athlete. Discuss with your coach or call us for more specific details because each case is unique.

Yes. We’re a vendor with Lanterman, Eastern Los Angeles (ELARC) and San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Centers. Our Vendor ID is PP3585. Ask your service coordinator about adding adaptive fitness to your IPP (your Individual Program Plan with the Regional Center).

Yes. We accept SDP funding under Service Code 331. Your independent facilitator or Financial Management Service (FMS) can contact us for paperwork.

CalABLE funds can generally be used for health and wellness expenses, including adaptive fitness. Many HSA and FSA plans cover personal training with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor. Check with your plan administrator. We’re happy to provide the necessary receipts.

We don’t bill insurance directly. Many families use Regional Center, SDP, CalAble or HSA/FSA funds instead.

Call or text (626) 344-8562 for current pricing and package options.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we use donations to make adaptive fitness accessible to more athletes. Ask us about financial help.

We offer sessions 7 days a week from 9am-8pm. We schedule all sessions around your availability. Call or text (626) 344-8562 to find a time that works for you and your athlete.

Sessions are 60 minutes.

Most athletes see the best progress training 2 to 3 times a week, but even once a week makes a difference. After your consultation, we’ll recommend a plan that works best for you and your athlete.

With 4 athletes at most, our small groups are calmer than a typical gym. Private sessions are the quietest option. Tell us about sensory needs and we can adjust music, lighting and noise.

Yes, parents and caregivers are welcome to stay. We just ask that you let our coaches lead the session. A caregiver or support staff is required only if your athlete needs one-on-one help with personal care or behavior.

Call or text (626) 344-8562, or fill out the contact form on our website. We’ll set up a free consultation to learn about your athlete and answer your questions.

Your first consultation is free. This includes a 30-minute observation, where your coach gets to know the athlete, sees how they move and talks through their needs. Then we recommend the best program for them. No pressure, no commitment.

Yes, parents and caregivers are welcome to stay. We just ask that you let our coaches lead the session. A caregiver or support staff is required only if your athlete needs one-on-one help with personal care or behavior.

Please do! The more we know, the better we can support your athlete from day one. Tell us about:

• communication preferences




• sensory needs and triggers




• calming strategies

Bring comfortable clothes, close-toed shoes (required), water, and any braces, mobility aids or communication devices your athlete uses.

All of our coaches have years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and are certified in adaptive fitness. Many of our coaches also have advanced degrees in special education and behavior health and have worked in the classroom as support staff.

Safety comes first in every session. Coaches modify exercises to each athlete’s abilities and give them space and time to regulate during hard moments. We always ask before using hands-on support.

Adaptive fitness is exercise designed for people with disabilities. Equipment, movements and coaching are adjusted to each person’s body and needs. At Echo Motion, we focus on strength, balance, coordination, mobility, endurance, and the everyday movement skills that build independence.

Melissa spent more than 20 years as a special education teacher. She created Echo Motion to build a space where athletes of all abilities can thrive. Our mission is to empower people with developmental and other disabilities to become more physically active and live healthy, balanced lives. Echo Motion Fitness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we also create paid jobs and job training for people with disabilities and social events for families and caregivers.

Yes, we have fully accessible entrances, space around equipment, restrooms and parking.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit and your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every donor gets a receipt.

Your donations fund the creation of new sports clinics for our athletes, job training and paid employment in the gym for individuals with disabilities, adaptive fitness equipment and gym expansion to support more of our community, and social event activities for athletes, family members and caregivers. 80% of all donation money goes directly to programs.

We serve ages 10 and up with developmental and other disabilities in the Southern California region with programs for fitness, employment and social activities. For employment, we serve ages 18 and up for job training, and paid employment within the gym.

Your gift will help support our current athlete community and their families and caregivers. It gives opportunities to individuals with disabilities the ability to enjoy movement and work toward independence, including covering their paid employment.

The different ways you can give are through monthly giving, employer matching gifts, sponsorships, donor-advised funds, and volunteering.

Yes. A tribute gift is a meaningful way to celebrate someone special or remember a loved one while supporting athletes in our community. When you donate, select “in honor of” or “in memory of” and enter the person’s name. If you’d like us to tell the honoree or their family about your gift, select ‘notify someone by email’ and include their email address and a message. Tribute gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.