The 5-Week Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer (AIT) Online Cohort combines ATA’s complete self-paced online certification course with live virtual instruction, a structured weekly learning schedule, and direct access to ATA Staff Trainers and guest Subject Matter Experts.
It is designed for learners who want the flexibility of online education but prefer more structure, accountability, interaction, and opportunities to ask questions than a fully self-paced course provides.
Course Overview
The 5-Week AIT Online Cohort includes:
The full Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer (AIT) online course
A guided 5-week learning schedule
5 live virtual sessions (attendance not required)
Each live session is approximately 75 minutes
Instruction and discussion led by ATA Staff Trainers
Guest sessions with relevant Subject Matter Experts
Opportunities to ask questions and discuss real-world adaptive fitness scenarios
Interaction with other learners completing the course at the same time
The course provides approximately 26 total credit hours:
20 hours of asynchronous online education
6 hours of synchronous live virtual instruction
Who is the Cohort Course For?
The online cohort is ideal for fitness professionals, personal trainers, coaches, healthcare and rehabilitation professionals, gym staff, and others who want to improve their ability to safely and effectively work with people with disabilities.
It is especially helpful for learners who:
Prefer a structured timeline instead of completing a course entirely on their own
Learn better through discussion and interaction
Want direct access to ATA educators and experts
Have questions about applying adaptive fitness concepts in real-world settings
Want the flexibility of online learning without giving up live instruction
Cannot travel to attend an in-person AIT seminar
What Are the Benefits of the 5-Week Cohort?
More Structure and Accountability
Instead of progressing through the course completely on your own, cohort learners follow a recommended weekly study plan. This helps learners stay on track and complete the course within five weeks.
Live Access to ATA Trainers
Learners participate in five virtual sessions with ATA Staff Trainers. These sessions provide an opportunity to review important concepts, ask questions, and better understand how the course material applies in practice.
Learn From Subject Matter Experts
Guest Subject Matter Experts may join live sessions to provide additional insight into specific disabilities, adaptive fitness methods, coaching considerations, or other areas covered in the AIT curriculum.
Real-World Application
The live sessions are designed to go beyond simply reviewing course material. Learners can discuss practical coaching situations, adaptations, problem-solving, and challenges they may encounter when working with athletes and clients with disabilities.
Learn With a Community
Cohort participants progress through the curriculum together. This creates opportunities to learn from the questions, experiences, and perspectives of other fitness professionals.
Online Flexibility
Most of the coursework can still be completed online and on the learner’s own schedule during each week. The cohort provides additional structure without requiring learners to attend a multi-day in-person course.
How is the Cohort Different From the Self-Paced AIT Online Course?
The curriculum is based on the full AIT online course, but the cohort adds a structured five-week schedule and live virtual education.
The self-paced online course allows learners to complete the curriculum independently on their own timeline.
The 5-Week Online Cohort includes the same core online education plus:
A guided weekly schedule
Five live virtual sessions
Direct interaction with ATA Staff Trainers
Guest Subject Matter Experts
Group discussion with other learners
More opportunities to ask questions and explore real-world applications
For learners who value flexibility but also want instructor access and accountability, the cohort provides a middle ground between the fully self-paced online course and ATA’s in-person seminar.
How Does the Course Work?
Each week, learners complete assigned portions of the AIT online curriculum on their own schedule.
Learners then attend a scheduled virtual session with ATA instructors and other cohort participants. During these sessions, ATA staff may review important concepts, answer learner questions, discuss application of the material, and introduce additional insight from guest experts. This process continues for five weeks.
How Much Time Should I Expect to Spend on the Course?
The entire program includes approximately 26 credit hours of education.
Learners should plan for approximately:
20 hours of independent online coursework across the five weeks
Five 75-minute live virtual sessions, totaling approximately 6 hours
The exact amount of weekly study time may vary depending on the learner.
When is the Next 5-Week AIT Online Cohort?
The upcoming cohort runs:
October 28 – November 26, 2026
Learners should plan to participate throughout the five-week period and attend the scheduled live virtual sessions.
Is the Cohort Course Fully Online?
Yes. The online coursework is completed remotely, and all five live sessions are conducted virtually. No travel is required.
What Will I Learn?
The AIT course provides comprehensive education in adaptive and inclusive fitness, including practical methods for safely and effectively coaching people with physical, sensory, and neurological disabilities.
The course focuses on helping fitness professionals assess individual needs, adapt exercises and training environments, mitigate risk, and create more inclusive fitness experiences.
Why Choose the 5-Week Online Cohort?
Choose the cohort if you want the convenience of online education but would benefit from more support than a traditional self-paced course.
The cohort provides a combination of:
Online flexibility + expert instruction + accountability + community + practical application.
For many learners, this format provides the benefits of instructor-led education without the travel and scheduling requirements of an in-person seminar.