What's New in Adapted Physical Education

Episodes

• 
  Recreation Therapy as an Expectation: An Interview with Crystal Skahan of Northeast Passage 20.10.2026 39m

  In this episode of What's New in Adapted PE, we have Crystal Skahan from Northeast Passage, a University of New Hampshire affiliated organization providing therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports. Their mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to define, pursue and achieve their therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports goal. A central theme of the conversation is the importance of autonomy, choice and community participation. Focusing on the individuals, where disability and accommodation needs are contextual. What began as an adaptive sports program has expanded into a broad continuum of services, which include completive and recreational adaptive sports, school and community-based recreation therapy. Serve people with a disability, veterans, older adults, students and competitive athletes. Crystal describes Northeast Passage service model as recreational therapy for people to pursue whole-life health though assessment. In the discussion the Crystal highlights the importance of experimental learning is to emphasize where Northeast Passage provides student training, internships, teaching, supervision, and direct program participation. Northeast has also partnered with university researchers to translate research into staff training, clinical practice, students learning, and professional publication. The ultimate goal is to move beyond isolated examples of exceptional programing and toward communities where meaningful recreation is an expected part of everyday life. Website for Northeast Passage linked below https://www.nepassage.org Resources mentioned in Podcast Move United -https://moveunitedsport.org ATinNH - https://iod.unh.edu/ATinNH/about-atinnh The Kelly Brush Foundation- https://kbf.org
• 
  Building the Bridge: How Adapted Physical Education Supports the Transition to Adulthood 07.10.2026 40m

  Our latest podcast episode is hosted by a recent graduate of the UNH APE Graduate program, Jasmine Faniel, and it tackles a big question: how do we help students with disabilities make the jump from high school to adult life? Her answer is that good intentions aren't enough. They have to turn into real, coordinated action. She presents how under IDEA, transition planning has to start by your state's deadline (age 14 here in New Hampshire). It has to cover education or training, employment, community engagement, and independent living. She also gets into a couple of key court cases. Here's where APE comes in, and it's a part of transition planning that too often gets left out. Think about what it takes to walk into a community gym and work out on your own. You need to find your way around, use equipment, have the stamina to keep going, and speak up for yourself. That's exactly what APE teaches. In this episode, she also covers the gaps in transition service provision. Training for school staff is often thin or outdated. And students are frequently in the room for their IEP meetings without really having a voice. Her big takeaway is that strong transitions are built with students and families, not for them.
• 
  What Does an Adaptive Fitness Gym Look Like? with Brendan Aylward 01.10.2026 37m

  In this episode of What's New in Adapt PE, we talk to Brendan Aylward as he answers what does it mean to create an inclusive adapted fitness gym. Brendan is the founder of Unified Health and Performance and leader of AdaptX, both non-profit organizations. Brendan created AdaptX to encourages fitness professionals to move pass a deficit-based practice and toward the individuals’ strengths, which can be done through AdaptX e-learning platform. AdaptX provides education, research and outreach developed with more than 30 educators and over 600 citations. Brendan discusses the development of an inclusive adaptive fitness gym and how fitness professionals can create an inclusive environment for people with and without disabilities. Brendan starts the conversation by describing his path from the Special Olympics to combining his passion for fitness to create Unified Health and performance. Brendan shares his philosophy and practice, beginning with person-centered approach through a group-based model for clients and building upon the individuals' goals, movements abilities, preference and prior experience. Brendan highlights the financial barriers, advertisement of adapted fitness, assumptions of accessibility within a fitness facility, and reassures how fitness facilities do not need expensive equipment to be an inclusive gym. Below is linked to the AdaptX website: https://www.adaptx.org
• 
  Collaborating with Speech and Language Pathologists in APE 11.03.2026 53m

  In this episode, Amanda Young from Cal State Long Beach leads a conversation with Lanita Yarborough, a bilingual speech-language pathologist and assistant professor at Texas Christian University, about the practical and ethical dimensions of collaboration between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and APE specialists. The discussion emphasizes how intentional partnership, co-treatment, and classroom design can enhance outcomes for disabled children. Lanita frames her approach around cultural humility and bilingual ethics, describing how respect for families’ linguistic resources enable more effective communication and learning. She explains the advantages of embedding typically developing peers in classrooms as natural peer models, noting benefits that flow to both disabled children and their peers. Throughout the episode she shares concrete examples of co-treatment: thematic gym activities that align speech and motor goals, multimodal strategies using signs and prosody, and practical adaptations for itinerant clinicians who must create collaboration opportunities across sites. Finally, Lanita offers actionable guidance for practitioners and programs seeking to build or strengthen partnerships: reach out proactively to local SLPs, design shared thematic activities, plan in-person trainings or lecture sessions for students, and center DEI practices in program development. Her message is both practical and aspirational: collaboration across disciplines not only improves child outcomes but fosters reciprocal learning among professionals.
• 
  Fear and Teaching Disabled Children in Physical Education: A Conversation with Dr. Fabián Arroyo-Rojas 06.01.2026 49m

  In this episode of the What's New in APE podcast, we dive into a topic that is rarely named out loud in PE and APE: fear. Drawing on a recent qualitative study by Dr. Fabian Arroyo-Rojas (Hofstra University) and his co-author Dr. Justin Haegele (Old Dominion University), our conversation explored how fear shapes the day-to-day practices of PE teachers working with disabled students. More specifically, their study examined the lived experiences of PE and APE teachers working in integrated PE settings. Their findings demonstrated that even experienced PE teachers often described experiencing feelings of being watched by administrators and parents lead to feelings of fear and influenced their instructional decisions. Indeed, one key finding was around how fear narrows practice. Wherein when teachers experience fear, they often default to avoiding risk and using overly cautious activities. The discussion continued by investigating Dr. Arroyo's future plans around this research topic. In this discussion, we explored ideas around creating more structured opportunities for PE teachers to openly discuss emotions, uncertainty, and fear without judgment. In addition, Dr. Arroyo emphasized the need to shift the narrative in APE away from deficit-oriented thinking and toward what disabled students can do, experience, and become through high-quality PE. Furthermore, Dr. Arroyo discussed future research needed to be conducted in this area to better understand the phenomena of experiencing fear when working with disabled children in PE, such as: exploring fear in more segregated settings, centering the voices of disabled students themselves, and examining how cultural and regional contexts shape fear. The citation for the research article that guided this podcast discussion is below: Arroyo-Rojas, F., & Haegele, J. A. (2025). (De) constructing the meaning of fear when teaching disabled students in physical education. Sport, Education and Society, 1-14.
• 
  Unified PE and Sport: What the research says 11.11.2025 33m

  In this episode of What’s New in Adapted Physical Education, we had a conversation with Ballie Ollila, a doctoral student at Old Dominion University, about her research examining Unified Physical Education and Unified Sports programs. Her systematic review, “Special Olympics’ UnifiedSports and Physical Education Programming: A Systematic Review”, recently published in Quest, found that despite the popularity of unified PE and Sports programming, there is a lack of empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness. Ms. Ollila explains that her research was motivated by the Virginia Board of Education’s decision to allow unified PE to count as a physical education credit, prompting questions about the evidence underpinning such policies. Through her systematic review, Bailey identified critical gaps in the literature and highlighted the challenges of conducting research in this area, including limited peer-reviewed studies and potential conflicts of interest in research funded by Special Olympics. The discussion explores deeper issues within unified programming, such as hierarchical labeling and role differences that can unintentionally reinforce inequality. Finally, Ms. Ollila also shares her plans to expand her research into dance and disability, addressing another underexplored area in adapted physical activity.
• 
  Co-Producing Adapted PE: Insights from Dr. Ally Keene 29.10.2025 43m

  In this episode, we talked with Dr. Ally Keene, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Elizabeth City State University, about her journey into Adapted Physical Education (APE) and her dissertation on co-producing resources with blind young adults. Her dissertation centered on co-production, a collaborative research approach involving disabled individuals as equal partners. Working alongside three blind young adults, she created the website “Resources and Recommendations for PE Teachers of Blind Students,” hosted by Old Dominion University. The site includes sections on teacher attitudes, accessible fitness opportunities, and advocacy, providing practical tools to help PE teachers better support blind and visually impaired students. In this discussion they talk both the challenges and value of co-production—highlighting how it deepens understanding, empowers participants, and improves teaching practices. Dr. Keene encourages educators to use collaborative planning tools, involve students in decision-making, and stay open to feedback and reflection. Looking ahead, she aims to evaluate the website’s impact and expand co-production work to other disability communities. Her vision is for an APE field that centers disabled voices and treats their lived experiences as essential expertise.
• 
  Dr. Lauren Lieberman and the Camp Abilities Movement 15.10.2025 1h

  In this episode of What's New in APE, Dr. Lauren Lieberman joins the CSLUB scholars and professors (Dr. Lavay, Young, and Bittner) to discuss her remarkable career and lifelong dedication to promoting inclusive physical activity. From her early experiences at Perkins School for the Blind to her groundbreaking work founding Camp Abilities, Dr. Lieberman reflects on how accessible physical education can transform lives. More specifically, in these discussions, Dr. Lieberman shares her academic and professional journey from teaching to being a world renown APE scholar. In addition, she outlines the origins of Camp Abilities at SUNY Brockport and its evolution into a global network of sports camps for children who are blind or visually impaired. Finally, she shares her thoughts on how she sees the field moving forward in the future and provides advise for future graduate APE scholars about seeking diverse experiences, read widely, volunteer, and ask critical questions.
• 
  Dr. Lauren Lieberman and the Camp Abilities Movement 15.10.2025 1h

  In this episode of What's New in APE, Dr. Lauren Lieberman joins the CSLUB scholars and professors (Dr. Lavay, Young, and Bittner) to discuss her remarkable career and lifelong dedication to promoting inclusive physical activity. From her early experiences at Perkins School for the Blind to her groundbreaking work founding Camp Abilities, Dr. Lieberman reflects on how accessible physical education can transform lives. More specifically, in these discussions, Dr. Lieberman shares her academic and professional journey from teaching to being a world renown APE scholar. In addition, she outlines the origins of Camp Abilities at SUNY Brockport and its evolution into a global network of sports camps for children who are blind or visually impaired. Finally, she shares her thoughts on how she sees the field moving forward in the future and provides advise for future graduate APE scholars about seeking diverse experiences, read widely, volunteer, and ask critical questions.
• 
  Legal Analysis: Adapted Physical Education and the Law 01.10.2025 54m

  In this exciting episode of What's New in APE, Scott McNamara is joined by co-authors Dr. Wesley Wilson and David Woo to unpack their recent article examining the legal interpretation of adapted physical education (APE) under U.S. law. Together, they explore how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has been applied in federal court cases since 2004, revealing that parents prevailed in only two out of seven key cases. Their discussion highlights: The central role of IEPs in defining services and outcomes for students with disabilities. Why APE teachers must have a seat at the IEP table to ensure meaningful and legally defensible programming. The gap between federal policies and local implementation, and how judicial philosophy may shape future cases. The urgent need for greater legal literacy among educators, so they can advocate effectively for their students and their profession. In their discussions, they also highlight the complexities of legal decision-making, the importance of precise documentation, and the ways in which IDEA’s promises often clash with on-the-ground realities in schools. Looking forward, they discuss their hopes for IDEA reauthorization, including clearer recognition of APE, stronger attention to social-emotional outcomes, and increased funding. The citation of the article discussed is: McNamara, S. W., Wilson, W. J., & Woo, D. (2025). Legal Analysis of the Interpretation of Adapted Physical Education in US Law. Exceptionality, 33(2), 106-117.
• 
  Dr. Kristi Roth’s Journey: Elevating Adapted PE Through Evidence and Advocacy 17.09.2025 1h 3m

  The What’s New in Adapted Physical Education podcast kicks off its 10th season with a very special episode with Special Guest hosts Dr. Barry Lavay and Dr. Melissa Bittner (CSU-Long Beach), who are joined by Dr. Kristi Roth, full professor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and co-author of the widely used textbook Principles and Methods of Adapted Physical Education and Recreation. This conversation highlights Dr. Roth’s remarkable journey in the field of adapted physical education. Dr. Roth shares key insights from her career, including her research on technology and teaching students with significant support needs, her work on transition outcomes in APE, and her advocacy work focused on promoting quality APE and PE for children with disabilities. She reflects on the influence of mentors, the importance of curiosity and evidence-based practice, and the value of listening and learning from students and colleagues alike. Listeners will also hear about impactful resources such as the GLIDE app, the Severe Notebook, and the book The Pursuit of Attention by Charles Derber, which shaped Dr. Roth’s approach to communication and teaching. Her advice for current and future APE teachers centers on curiosity, collaboration, and prioritizing student needs.
• 
  Reflections from APE OSEP Scholars: The Critical Role of OSEP in Training Quality APE Teachers 17.06.2025 43m

  Welcome to a new episode of What's New in APE! As many listeners know, there is a nationwide shortage of highly qualified APE teachers who are prepared to meet the diverse needs of these students. This is where the importance of targeted federal funding, such as that provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), comes into sharp focus. In this episode of the podcast, we sat down with three incredible APE scholars—Honora Carlson-Strom, Fabian Pardo, and Bobby Segal—who are will soon be graduates of the University of New Hampshire’s OSEP-funded master’s program in APE. Their stories offer a powerful reminder of how essential this funding is for building the future of the field. The OSEP grant made it possible for these students to participate in an intensive, 1-year graduate program that combined rigorous coursework with rich, hands-on experiences in both general and specialized school settings. Through placements, conferences, and professional collaborations, these scholars were able to develop not just technical skills, but also the patience and critical thinking that quality APE teaching demands. Without OSEP’s support, programs like this would struggle to exist. By investing in high-quality teacher preparation, OSEP is shaping the future of quality physical education for disabled children and developing the next generation of APE leaders.
• 
  Action Research in APE with Dr. David Adams 19.02.2025 33m

  In this episode of What's New in Adapted Physical Education, we sit down with Dr. David Adams from Humboldt University. Dr. Adams, a graduate of Texas Woman's University, shares his journey from working at an Autism Center to leading a federally funded APE program at Humboldt. He then dives into his passion for action-based research, explaining how it empowers teachers to systematically meet the diverse needs of their students. We explore his latest publication, Implementing Action Research in Physical Education: A Guide for Physical Educators, and unpack the six critical teaching behaviors that form the foundation of action research—observation, data collection, designing and implementing interventions, analyzing data, reporting data, and reflecting on data. Dr. Adams discusses how these strategies enhance student outcomes, improve IEP meetings, and elevate the professionalism of APE teachers. In addition, he delves into barriers that can deter using action based research in their practices. Tune in to learn how evidence-based methods can bridge the gap between research and practical application in APE!
• 
  Adapted Health Education: A discussion with Dr. Maria Lepore-Stevens 04.02.2025 38m

  In this episode, Dr. Maria Lepore-Stevens, from Rowan University, shares how she’s expanding health education within the realm of disability. In this discussion, we explore the concept of "adapted" health education in relation to teaching health education and students with disabilities. Dr. Lepore-Stevens points out the lack of guidance in health education around teaching children with disabilities and the importance of this curriculum for children with disabilities. In addition, she discusses challenges in adapting health education curricula, the lack of inclusive sex ed, the importance of teaching consent and self-advocacy, as well as how inadequate health education fails to provide students with disabilities with a well-rounded education. Tune in for practical strategies and insights on ensuring all students receive comprehensive, evidence-based health education. This discussion was lead by the recent publication from Dr. Lepore-Stevens, entitled "Adapting a human sexuality curriculum for students with disabilities".
• 
  APE Professional’s Journey: Words of Wisdom and Insight from Dr. Terry Rizzo 22.01.2025 1h 4m

  Welcome to the latest episode of "What's New in Adapted Physical Education," where we delve into the world of Adapted Physical Education (APE) through engaging conversations with professionals shaping the field. In this episode, Drs. Barry Lavay and Melissa Bittner (CSLUB) sit down with Dr. Terry Rizzo, a distinguished scholar from California State University- San Bernadino to explore his journey, insights, and the evolution of APE. In discussing his background, they highlight how he has focused on advancing inclusion in PE in his department, at the state level, and nationally. The discussion explores Dr. Rizzo’s research on PE teachers' attitudes toward teaching students with disabilities, the evolution of inclusion in PE, and the infusion curriculum model. This model prepares all future educators to teach diverse learners by integrating disability concepts throughout their teaching. Dr. Rizzo reflects on overcoming challenges, including resistance from faculty, and celebrates the positive impact this approach has had on his students and program. Dr. Rizzo also offers practical advice to educators and young faculty about focusing on individualizing student needs, maintaining a positive attitude, and balancing one's personal life. As the episode concludes, Dr. Rizzo underscores the importance of service, staying current with literature, and being a good friend and collaborator to others.
• 
  Engaging Parents in Adapted Physical Education: Insights from Dr. Adam Forbes 07.01.2025 43m

  Welcome back to another exciting episode of What's New in Adapted Physical Education (APE) where we sat down with Dr. Adam Forbes, a new faculty member at Norfolk State University, to discuss his insights and research on parental perceptions of APE and the critical role parents play in enhancing these services. In these conversations, Dr. Forbes emphasized that parental involvement is key to the success of APE programs and highlights the need for clear communication between APE teachers and parents. In addition, Dr. Forbes explains that “parents need to see the value in APE, but that starts with us showing them what their children are achieving.” The conversation continues by discussing actionable strategies to help APE teachers engage parents more effectively, such as visual communication and highlighting the benefits. By improving communication, developing meaningful relationships, and sharing the impact of APE, PE/APE teachers can create higher quality PE experiences for students with disabilities. As Forbes concluded, “APE isn’t just about physical activity—it’s about creating opportunities for children to thrive in every aspect of their lives. Parents are a critical part of that journey.”
• 
  Just Adapt It: Innovating APE with Matt Barker 18.12.2024 32m

  In this special episode of What's New in APE, Special Guest host Dr. Barry Lavay (CSU-Long Beach) is joined by APE graduate scholars Greg and Kendall to interview Matt Barker, a veteran APE teacher from Fairfax County, Virginia. Together, they delve into Matt’s journey into APE, his innovative initiatives, and the strategies he employs to enhance the learning experiences of his students with disabilities. Matt Barker discusses his journey into APE, as it began at summer camps, to special education, and then in APE. Now an itinerant APE teacher in Fairfax County, Matt supports a wide array of classes, including those designed for students with disabilities. Matt recently developed Just Adapt It, a project initially developed during his university days to promote increased movement opportunities for students. During the pandemic, his work gained viral attention, transforming into a comprehensive online resource featuring thousands of videos and tools like “Netflix and Just Adapt It.” This platform has become a go-to hub for educators seeking creative ways to engage students in physical activity, demonstrating the immense potential of social media and technology in advancing APE. In this resource, it highlights tools like an AI goal-writing assistant, video modeling resources, and a GIF library, all designed to simplify and enhance the teaching process. Another key topic of the discussion is Matt’s use of assistive technology to support students with disabilities. From exploring low-cost tech hacks to leveraging support groups and writing grants for equipment, Matt provides actionable advice for educators. He also shares his favorite equipment for APE, including PVC pipes, pool noodles, and projectors.
• 
  Creating Assistive Technology in APE with Nicole McCoy 03.12.2024 31m

  Welcome back to What's New in Adapted Physical Education, where we shine a light on trailblazers in the field of adapted physical education (APE). In this episode, we interview Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE ), an APE teacher in Lancaster, Pennsylvania about how she has transformed her teaching by integrating innovative assistive technologies. Her work exemplifies the power of creativity, collaboration, and determination in breaking barriers to participation and fostering independence for her students. Inspired during her master’s program, Nicole collaborated with high school robotics and building trades classes to create assistive technology devices like switch-activated catapults and bowling ramps to meet her students' needs. Nicole shares several examples of technologies that allow students to engage in meaningful sport and physical activity in a variety of unique ways. For example, she details how a student using a head switch can serve a volleyball inspired both peers and teachers. While challenges like equipment maintenance and securing support persist, Nicole also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mentorship to overcome them. Nicole’s work highlights the transformative potential of assistive technology in APE, which can serve as a means to encourage others to find creative solutions to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
• 
  Physical Activity for All Disabled Persons: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole Kirk 21.11.2024 57m

  In the latest episode of What's New in APE, we interviewed Dr. Nicole Kirk, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia, about their journey and research in Adapted Physical Education (APE). Dr. Kirk shared how they initially stumbled into APE through their background in judo and theater in Chicago, when they began working with a student with Down syndrome. This experience ignited their passion for making physical activity accessible for students with disabilities, leading their to pursue formal studies at Southern Illinois University and the University of Virginia, and eventually their PhD at Old Dominion University, where they explored motivation for physical activity among visually impaired and blind individuals under the mentorship of Dr. Justin Haegele. In her current and past research, Dr. Kirk shared insights on the distinct challenges that many disabled individuals face in physical activity, describing how systemic ableism and exclusionary practices often prevent participation. They also highlights the importance of disability sports as an avenue to empower disabled persons and quality physical activity experiences. When conducting research, Dr. Kirk stressed the importance of understanding participants' cultural and social contexts, particularly when working internationally and in lower socio-economic countries. Finally, they expressed the need for more disabled researchers in APE to ensure research aligns with lived experiences.
• 
  Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice: An Interview with Brad Weiner 06.11.2024 39m

  We’re excited to launch a brand-new season of What’s New in Adapted Physical Education (APE) with a fresh, research-to-practice focus. Starting with this season, we’ll be releasing episodes every two weeks, each centered on in-depth topics that spotlight how research can directly support and enhance practical teaching strategies in the field. In our latest episode, host Scott McNamara welcomes Brad Wiener, an experienced APE supervisor in Fairfax County, Virginia, to discuss the exciting changes to the APE platform and share insights from his role. With 17 years as an APE teacher, Brad now oversees 55 dedicated APE teachers and supports 64 more across a large number of schools. He underscores the critical benefits of having an APE supervisor who has been "in the trenches" and understands the nuances of teaching adapted physical education firsthand. Brad reflects on some key challenges he faces, from communicating policies to advocating for adequate staffing—challenges that often resonate across the APE field. A unique aspect of Brad’s leadership style is his commitment to integrating research into everyday practice. He actively encourages teachers to engage with the latest APE studies, emphasizing the value of structured research and its practical application in the classroom. Additionally, Brad sees tremendous potential in connecting pre-service teachers with current APE professionals. This mentorship not only supports skill-building but also fosters critical thinking—a vital skill as pre-service teachers step into real-world scenarios. Tune in to hear Brad’s insights, and stay tuned for more bi-weekly episodes designed to bridge the research-to-practice gap in APE.