Thank you for your interest in the Arthritis Foundation Programs designed to help people take control of their arthritis. Whether you’re a current program instructor/leader, partner facility or just looking for more information on becoming one of the many instructor/leaders and community partners already established, here’s where you’ll find the information you need.
Get Involved As A Partner Site
The Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series programs - Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, Walk with Ease and Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program -are proven to decrease the pain and limitations of arthritis. We also offer the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program, developed by Dr. Paul Lam.
Steps to Offering Arthritis Foundation Programs
Why offer Arthritis Foundation Programs
Benefits of offering Arthritis Foundation Programs
Arthritis Foundation Co-Sponsorship Agreement
For information on becoming an Arthritis Foundation Program Partner, please contact Florida Chapter Vice President of Mission Delivery, Susan Cuellar: 800-850-9455; scuellar@arthritis.org
Get Involved As A Leader, Instructor or Trainer
Information on being an Arthritis Foundation Leader/Instructor:
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Position Description and Qualifications
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Position Description and Qualifications
Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program Position Description and Qualifications
Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program Position Description and Qualifications
Training Workshop Calendar
Information on becoming an Arthritis Foundation Trainer:
The Trainer position is a volunteer leadership role within the Arthritis Foundation Florida Chapter. Trainers are asked to lead at least two approved leader/instructor workshops yearly and service on the Program/Services Committee.
Trainer Statement of understanding
Interested candidates should contact:
Susan Cuellar: 800-850-9455; scuellar@arthritis.org
Arthritis Foundation Program Instructors/Leader
Improve lives today by teaching an Arthritis Foundation program. Our programs were developed to help the millions of people living with arthritis take control of their disease. As a program instructor or leader, you will make a tremendous difference in your community. We'll give you the training you need to deliver these programs, and you will join the ranks of thousands of offically certified Arthritis Foundation instructors making a difference across the country.
Newly Revised!!
The Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program is a community-based physical activity and self-management education program. It can be done by individuals using the Walk with Ease workbook on their own, or by groups led by trained leaders. Both the individual and group formats are set up as a structured six-week program. While walking is the central activity, Walk with Ease is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. Group sessions include socialization time, pre-walk informational lecturettes, warm up and cool downs and a 10-35 minute walking period.
The Walk with Ease materials are based on programs which have been successfully implemented in research settings and have resulted in such benefits as increased physical activity, increased walking distance and speed, decreased pain and decreased depression.
Walk with Ease FAQ’s
Walk with Ease Leader Information and Qualifications
Walk with Ease On-line Leader Training Information
Instructor Notice!! - Interested in Walk with Ease Leader Training – contact Susan at 800-850-9455 x11 or scuellar@arthritis.org to see if you qualify for FREE Training.
For more information about individual or facility lead programs, please contact Susan Cuellar 800-850-9455; scuellar@arthritis.org
Incorporates the buoyancy of water and the soothing warmth of a heated pool to make a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. Gentle movements increase joint flexibility and range of motion, while new exercise variations help build stronger muscles and overall stamina. For those seeking a more challenging workout, resistance equipment and a deep water option can be incorporated. The ability to swim is not required for classes in shallow water. Led by Arthritis Foundation-certified instructors.
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
Instructor/Leader Training Workshops
September 14, 2013, Altamonte Springs – Click here to view workshop information
October 12, 2013, Jacksonville – Click here to view workshop information
Please review Leader/Instructor Position Description and Requirements before submitting application
$150.00 new candidates; $100.00 re-certifications. Includes manual and Lunch
AQUATIC INSTRUCTOR/LEADER APPLICATION! (Word)
AQUATIC INSTRUCTOR/LEADER APPLICATION! (PDF)
PRE-TRAINING MODULE for Instructors Workshop
Gentle, joint-safe exercises developed specifically for people with arthritis to help relieve stiffness, decrease arthritis pain and improve balance. The course incorporates the optional use of resistance bands and weights for an added workout as well as interactive health education lessons and stress-reducing relaxation techniques to help participants better manage their arthritis. The low-impact exercises can be done while sitting, standing or on the floor. Led by Arthritis Foundation-certified instructors.
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Instructor/Leader Training Workshop
October 1, 2013, Orlando – Click here to view workshop information
Please review Leader/Instructor Position Description and Requirements before submitting application
$150.00 new candidates; $100.00 re-certifications. Includes manual and Lunch
EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR APPLICATION (Word)
EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR APPLICATION (PDF)
Pre-training Module for Instructor Workshops
Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program®
This program is designed to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis using Sun style Tai Chi, one of the four major recognized styles of Tai Chi. This style includes agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. The movements don't require deep bending or squatting, which makes it easier and more comfortable to learn.
The program itself consists of 12 movements — 6 basic and 6 advanced — a warm up and a cool down. Once becoming familiar with the 12 movements, the program is designed to provide continual challenge by reversing the direction of the movements.
This program was derived and adapted from the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and includes copyrighted materials belonging to Dr. Paul Lam and Tai Chi Productions. http://www.taichiforarthritis.com/
Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program
Instructor/Leader Training Workshop
Susan Cuellar, Phone: (800) 850-79455, Extension 11; email: SCuellar@arthritis.org
Tai Chi Master Trainer Tony Garcia, Phone: (305) 454-1461, email: tony@miamitaichi.com
Tai Chi Master Trainer Patricia Lawson, Phone: (772) 260-3365, email: taichilawson@gmail.com
Tai Chi Master Trainer Susan Scheuer, Phone: (941)351-2457 email: susanscheuer@gmail.com
Information for Current Leaders, Instructors and Facility Partners
The Arthritis Foundation Florida Chapter values our relationship with all of our leaders, instructors, trainers and facility partners. Because of your time and dedication, we are able to improve the lives of the 4.3 million Floridians living with arthritis.
Update your current facility information and program schedule here
Update your contact information here
Program Forms and Participant Releases
Tips on using Scannable forms
Program Information form
Participant release form
Confused on how to use the new forms for your programs classes? Questions on how to complete the forms? The following information will help.
Introduction to Scannable Forms
How to complete the Program Information Form
How to complete the Participant Release Form
Frequently Asked Questions on using the new forms
Why Data Reporting is Important - We need your help
Instructor/Leaders Certification Forms
Certification Requirements
Certification Application Form
Leader Link Newsletter
8th Edition Winter 2011
7th Edition Spring 2011
6th Edition Winter 2010
5th Edition Spring 2010
4th Edition Fall 2009
3rd Edition Spring 2009
2nd Edition Fall 2009
1st Edition Summer 2009
For more information on the Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series,
Florida Chapter programs and service, educational events
please contact Florida Chapter Vice President of Mission Delivery,
Susan Cuellar: 800-850-9455; scuellar@arthritis.org
