Supported Employment
Louie Speice: Finding His Strength in Fitness
October 26, 2026
Louie Speice demonstrates a front squat with a barbell at the Medford YMCA.
A SPECIAL OLYMPICS POWERLIFTER IS TURNING HIS LOVE OF EXERCISE INTO A CAREER IN FITNESS
For Louie Speice, fitness is more than a hobby. It’s a passion he’s turning into a potential career.
Louie participates in several Special Olympics sports, including track, bowling, swimming, and powerlifting, where he’s won three titles. With a background in wrestling and a love for exercise, he’s now working toward his goal of becoming a fitness coach through Living Opportunities’ volunteer-based career exploration program, called Path.
Bringing Energy to Bootcamp
“I’m really happy that I’m doing it, because it helps me find jobs and learn skills, and it’s really, really fun,” Louie says.
When Louie expressed interest in coaching again, his DSP (Direct Support Professional) and Job Developer helped him connect with the Medford YMCA. He now volunteers with Adam McMenomy, an instructor of the YMCA’s Bootcamp Fitness class, helping set up, demonstrating exercises, and encouraging participants.
“He’s been super helpful,” Adam says. Adam sees Louie’s enthusiasm as an important addition to the group. “You’ve got to find what you enjoy, that you will keep coming back for, because if you’re hating having to do this exercise, you’re not gonna come back and do it. So, motivation, like what Louie is providing, is so beneficial.”
“We love how he encourages the class. High fives all around.” — Adam McMenomy
Louie gets the equipment ready for bootcamp at the YMCA.
Louie coaches instructor Adam McMenomy at the Medford YMCA.
Training to Become a Trainer
The partnership is also giving Louie hands-on experience as he works toward a fitness training certificate. Adam helps him practice planning workouts, counting repetitions, tracking rest periods, and coaching proper technique. Louie even gets to practice training Adam himself.
With support from Living Opportunities, Path, and the Medford YMCA, Louie is building the skills and confidence to pursue a career doing what he loves: fitness, coaching, and helping others discover their own strength.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and the value of inclusive workplaces. Louie’s story shows what becomes possible when people have the right support to pursue work that matches their interests and strengths.
Local businesses play a vital role in building a strong community. Living Opportunities partners with employers to identify roles, provide training support, and ensure a successful match for both the employee and the business. Click here to learn more.
If you are interested in learning how inclusive employment can strengthen your team, please contact our Job Developer Blaine Lindsey to start the conversation.
Get in Touch
Blaine Lindsey
Job Developer
blaine.lindsey@livingopps.org
Learn More About Our Community
-
A New Job, Built by Community
We all understand just how much work shapes our routine, our confidence, and our sense of stability. Last summer, a long-time business partner of Living Opportunities closed unexpectedly, leaving Robert without work.
-
A Season of Creativity and Connection
CEO Amber Myre celebrates a record-breaking furnARTure auction and our vibrant new headquarters mural in this Fall 2025 update.
-
Going Strong at Grange Co-Op
Meet RJ, a dedicated Grange Co-op employee of 8 years. Learn how RJ’s hard work makes him a vital part of the White City grange.
