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Ned Norton works with a woman at his gym in Albany, New York. For the past 25 years, Norton has provided free and low-cost strength training for people living with disabilities. John Nowak/CNN
Norton trains more than 120 people every week through his nonprofit, Warriors on Wheels. John Nowak/CNN
Norton works with people whose disabilities include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. John Nowak/CNN
"I'm building them up, building them stronger, so they can go out and live life like they're supposed to," Norton said. John Nowak/CNN
Norton poses with some of the program's participants in October. John Nowak/CNN
One of the program's participants exercises at the Albany gym. John Nowak/CNN
Norton's strength-training equipment is specially adapted to fit his clients' needs. Most of the people he trains are in wheelchairs and rely on their upper body strength to get around. John Nowak/CNN
Norton is the only trainer in the facility, which was donated to him by the city. John Nowak/CNN
Participants often form friendships and motivate one another. They also become resources for each other, providing advice and references. "When they come here, they get a network of people going through the same challenges," Norton said. John Nowak/CNN
"I'm not a genius. I'm not a miracle worker," Norton said. "But I do know what I'm doing in the gym, because that's what I love doing and that's what I have to offer to people." John Nowak/CNN
