What's New in Adapted Physical Education

What's New In Adapted Physical Education

Podcast by What's New In Adapted Physical Education

  1. FEB 19

    Action Research in APE with Dr. David Adams

    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!

    34 min

  2. FEB 4

    Adapted Health Education: A discussion with Dr. Maria Lepore-Stevens

    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".

    39 min

  3. JAN 22

    APE Professional’s Journey: Words of Wisdom and Insight from Dr. Terry Rizzo

    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.

    1h 4m

  4. JAN 7

    Engaging Parents in Adapted Physical Education: Insights from Dr. Adam Forbes

    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.”

    44 min

  5. 12/18/2024

    Just Adapt It: Innovating APE with Matt Barker

    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.

    33 min

  6. 12/03/2024

    Creating Assistive Technology in APE with Nicole McCoy

    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.

    32 min

  7. 11/21/2024

    Physical Activity for All Disabled Persons: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole Kirk

    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.

    58 min

  8. 11/06/2024

    Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice: An Interview with Brad Weiner

    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.

    39 min
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    18 Ratings

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