Grants and Projects

The Department of EXPW currently administers the I Can Do It, You Can Do It National Activity Program.  This program serves to improve the health of children with disabilities through mentor-led exercise and nutrition programs.  As one of 8 national sites implementing the program, the department of EXPW identifies and trains mentors to work with one or more children.  Exercise and nutrition programming occurs through TTU's weekly clinic and regional recreation programs serving children with special needs.  This program was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Disability and more information can be found at this website (hhs.gov).  Drs. Christy Killman and J.P. Barfield lead the project for TTU and can be reached through the Contact Us page.

 

The Department of EXPW also sponsors multiple county and regional services specific to health and wellness.  Specifically, the department offers the following annual programs:

• Area 9 Special Olympics - Dr. Lebron Bell oversees and administers yearlong sport activities for persons with cognitive disabilities.  Participants include K-12 students as well as adults and events are held on the campus of TTU and throughout Putnam County.  The most popular competitions include bowling, basketball, track & field, weightlifting and a Christmas party.
• Festival of Movement - This program highlights movement and physical education skills of local elementary and middle school students.  The event is typically held during the spring in the Hooper Eblen Center on the campus of Tennessee Tech University.  This program highlights the movement abilities at various stages of development and enables students to perform for their peers and family members.
• Jump Rope for Heart - Elementary school students complete a day of jump roping to raise funds for the American Heart Association.  This program helps students learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle while simultaneously raising funds for research.
• Third-Grade Olympics - The department hosts a fun-oriented competition for 3^rd graders in Putnam County.  Students from each school represent various countries and compete with their designated nation; therefore, this program allows students to socialize with peers from other schools during the competition day while providing students learning opportunities about geographical history and the Olympics.