Welcome to the #AdaptedPE Newsletter!
Your monthly source for innovative teaching strategies, tools, and trends in Adapted Physical Education. From engaging activities to equipment recommendations and professional development, we’re here to help you make a positive impact on students of all abilities. Stay inspired, informed, and connected all year long—subscribe today!
- Welcome to the #AdaptedPE Newsletter!
- November 2025 Notes
- 🎤 What’s Coming Up in November?
- Support Our Work & Unlock Exclusive Resources
- Equipment Recomendation
- MERCH
- ✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨
- 📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰
- 🎉 ADAPTOBER Wrap-Up!
- 🎶 Warm-Up Spotlight: Custom Activity Songs by an APE Specialist!
- 🧗 Adaptation Spotlight: Climbing Frame for Obstacle Navigation
- 🗂️ The Just Adapt It Files
- NCPEID Policy & Advocacy Committee Weekly Series
- #AdaptedPE Posts of the Month
- 📚🚀 Professional Development 🚀📚
- 📢 Upcoming APE Webinar – November 5th
- 🧩 Adapted PE Virtual Workshop – Dec 5th
- 🎓 Interested in Earning Your CAPE Certification?
- Asynchronous Online Courses & Live Webinars
- 🎧🎙️ Podcasts to Motivate, Educate, and Inspire 🎙️🎧
- 🤖 APE Advocate Bot
- 🌟🤝 Support and Stay Connected 🤝🌟
November 2025 Notes
October was an incredible month, kicking off with SHAPE Delaware, where we were inspired by an unforgettable keynote from Chris Nikic—the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon. And he’s not stopping there! Chris has set his sights on completing an Ultra Ironman and tackling 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. 💪🌍
If you haven’t already, check out his amazing book, 1% Better: Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too, where he shares how building habits and focusing on just 1% improvement each day can lead to extraordinary outcomes: Read the book here
It was also a joy to connect with fellow APE leaders and past Teachers of the Year including Tom Gelardi and Victor Spadaro, both of whom led high-energy, practical sessions. Shoutout to other awesome presenters like Mark Friedrich and John Jones who continue to bring passion and innovation to the field!
🎤 What’s Coming Up in November?
Next up: I’ll be heading to the NYSAHPERD Conference to co-present on Assistive Technology in APE alongside Nicole McCoy and Jeff Watkins. We’ll also be diving into the STEP Model for adapting physical education—based on the strategies in my book.
👉 Are you a Just Adapt It. member? Let me know! I’d love to connect—and I might even have a few APE goodies to send your way!.
Support Our Work & Unlock Exclusive Resources
Help us keep these valuable insights and resources accessible to everyone. For just $5/month, you’ll sustain this newsletter and gain member-only benefits, including:
Thanks to our newest members!
Sara J., Brittany R., Kim M., Mark H., Scotti S, Kelly Z
Equipment Recomendation
How to Order
Getting the right equipment and resources into your program shouldn’t be complicated. There are a few simple ways to place an order:
Direct Purchase: You can order directly from the website at your convenience.
School Purchase Orders (POs): Many schools order through POs, often with support from special education departments or equipment budgets.
Need Help? I’m happy to walk you through the process!
MERCH
✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨
Each week, we highlight an inspiring educator in Adapted PE, showcasing their strategies, successes, and impact on students
⭐ Teacher Spotlight: Bradley Land
K–8 Physical Education Teacher
Deer Valley Unified School District – Phoenix, AZ
Former Adapted PE Teacher | Creator of @PELearnPlay
Meet Bradley Land, a dynamic and passionate educator who has spent the last 13 years teaching both Adapted and General Physical Education. Now serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade in Phoenix, AZ, Bradley brings energy, creativity, and inclusion to every class.
Through his platform @PELearnPlay (IG, X, TikTok, YouTube) , Bradley shares:
- Engaging PE activities and skills
- Smart PE hacks
- Fun workout videos
- Kid-friendly brain breaks
His mission? To provide high-quality PE that’s fun, accessible, and meaningful for every student, regardless of ability.
Bradley’s content is perfect for fellow educators, families, and anyone looking to get kids moving in fun, inclusive ways.
📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰
🎉 ADAPTOBER Wrap-Up!
ADAPTOBER was a fantastic celebration of creativity and inclusion in Adapted PE! Educators shared innovative accommodations and strategies that are making PE more accessible for all students.
A big thank-you to MAPEC (Maryland Adapted Physical Education Consortium) for leading the charge! Want to see the highlights? Follow MAPEC on social media for more ideas and upcoming events:
📸 Instagram: @mapec_ape
🐦 Twitter/X: @MAPEC_Members
🎶 Warm-Up Spotlight: Custom Activity Songs by an APE Specialist!
Looking to refresh your warm-up routines? Adapted PE Specialist Victor Celaya has created a set of original warm-up and activity songs that have been a hit with his students across a variety of ability levels.
From movement prompts to rhythm-based coordination, these songs are designed with inclusivity and engagement in mind—perfect for both structured routines and creative movement breaks.
👉 Listen now on Spotify:
“They’ve worked well with most of my groups, and I hope they can be helpful to others too!”
Consider featuring one song per week in your classes, or letting students vote on their favorite!
🧗 Adaptation Spotlight: Climbing Frame for Obstacle Navigation
In a recent video from Centre of Movement, an Australia-based therapy team supports a student using a climbing frame as part of an obstacle course. This setup encourages full-body movement, coordination, and confidence while providing the physical support needed for success.
It’s a great example of how therapeutic tools can be used creatively in Adapted PE to build motor planning skills and promote independence in a fun, engaging way.
🗂️ The Just Adapt It Files
🎙 The Just Adapt It Files – Episode: APE & Parent Partnerships
In this episode, we dive into the critical relationship between Adapted PE teachers and parents of children with disabilities. Drawing on recent research, we explore how strong parent-teacher partnerships can enhance student progress in physical activity both at school and at home.
We discuss APE teachers’ perspectives on the value of parent involvement, common barriers like misconceptions about APE, and challenges posed by itinerant roles and limited time. Despite these hurdles, many teachers use creative strategies—like visual communication and parent outreach—to build understanding and trust.
Join us as we unpack what it takes to foster collaboration, advocate for APE as a vital academic service, and work toward shared goals that center every child’s success in movement and learning.
📰 Based on an article published in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly: DOI link
Have a listen and let us know what documents you’d like us to dive into next!
NCPEID Policy & Advocacy Committee Weekly Series
The NCPEID Consortium is rolling out a weekly APE advocacy series led by the Policy & Advocacy Committee (PAC). 🎥
👉 Check out their growing playlist (currently 2 videos, with more to come!) to stay updated on key policy topics, advocacy strategies, and the latest in Adapted Physical Education.
🔗 Watch the NCPEID Advocacy Series Playlist
It’s a great way to stay informed and empowered as an advocate for our field!
#AdaptedPE Posts of the Month
📚🚀 Professional Development 🚀📚
Stay up to date with the latest workshops, podcasts, training sessions, and resources designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in Adapted Physical Education. Explore opportunities for growth, learn new strategies, and connect with experts to continue improving your teaching and support for all students.
📢 Upcoming APE Webinar – November 5th
Join MAPEC for a free virtual APE webinar featuring 3 expert guests in one exciting night! This event includes two engaging sessions:
- Silhouettes in Motion: Visual Tools for Inclusive PE
- Assistive Technology in Adaptive PE
🗓 Date: November 5th
🕕 Time: 6:00–7:00 PM (EST)
🎤 Featuring: Nicole McCoy, Bret McCoy, and Jim Hambel
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register or email mapecboard@gmail.com for more information.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gather new tools and strategies for inclusive physical education!
🧩 Adapted PE Virtual Workshop – Dec 5th
Presented by the CA State Council on Adapted PE
🕘 Friday, December 5th | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (PST)
💻 Free virtual event | Register by Dec 3rd at http://www.cahperd.org
This workshop features a full lineup of practical sessions designed to support inclusive, high-quality Adapted PE.
🟡 9:00 AM – “Just Adapt It”
Presented by Matt Barker, author of Just Adapt It: A STEP Process for Adapting PE so Everybody Can Play. Learn a clear framework for adapting any PE activity so all students can participate.
🟡 9:30 AM – Working with Paraeducators in PE/APE
With Dr. Lindsey Nowland – Practical strategies to collaborate effectively with paraeducators and support all learners.
🟡 10:00 AM – Alternative Assessment Tools
Led by Heidi Ambrosius, MA, CAPE – Explore assessment strategies that align with IEP goals and promote student success.
🟡 10:30 AM – Unified PE for Elementary Students
Presented by Angela Gay, MS – Discover how to bring the principles of Unified Sports into your elementary APE setting.
🟡 11:30 AM – Featured Speaker: Dr. Lauren Lieberman
Strategies for teaching students who are visually impaired, deafblind, or multiply disabled—tools you can use right away.
🟡 12:50–2:00 PM – Hot Topics Cracker Barrel
Hosted by SCAPE – Wrap up the day with open discussions on current APE issues.
Whether you’re new to Adapted PE or looking for fresh strategies, this workshop has something for everyone. Register today!
🎓 Interested in Earning Your CAPE Certification?
Join the APENS Study Group for a fun and interactive way to prepare! Each session uses gamification to review different APENS standards on a rotating basis.
🗓 Fall Semester Meeting Dates:
November 17
🕠 Time: 5:30pm PST | 7:30pm CST | 8:30pm EST
📧 Request your Zoom link by emailing NCPEID@gmail.com at least 72 hours before each session.
Hosted by California State University, Long Beach & Wayne State University
Asynchronous Online Courses & Live Webinars
| Title | Presenter | Credit Hours | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adapting PE Activities for Students with Diverse Abilities | Matt Barker | Yes | Link |
| Roadmap to Adapted Physical Education | 3 Contact Hours | Link | |
| Fundamentals of Adapted Physical Education (Webinar) | Justin Lund | Link | |
| PE Central Adapted PE Courses | Various | Link | |
| MAPEC Webinar Recordings | Various | No | Link |
🎧🎙️ Podcasts to Motivate, Educate, and Inspire 🎙️🎧
Stay connected with the APE community through these insightful podcasts! Tune in to hear expert interviews, innovative strategies, and the latest trends in Adapted Physical Education. Whether you’re looking for professional development, practical tips, or stories that spark new ideas, these podcasts are a must-listen for educators and advocates alike.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a powerful way for PE teachers to keep learning and growing. They fit easily into busy schedules—whether you’re commuting, working out, or setting up for class—and bring expert voices, fresh ideas, and real-world stories right to your ears. From new teaching strategies and adapted practices to insights on student engagement and wellness, podcasts help you stay connected to the latest trends in physical education while sparking creativity and reflection in your own teaching.
🤖 APE Advocate Bot
The APE Advocate is a new interactive tool to help parents, educators, and administrators navigate Adapted Physical Education (APE). Drawing from IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA, it provides clear guidance on evaluations, IEPs, eligibility, and student rights in PE. Still in training, it’s not legal advice—but it’s a powerful resource to support inclusion and advocacy.
🌟🤝 Support and Stay Connected 🤝🌟
Building a supportive community ensures we grow stronger together, sharing ideas and strategies that make Adapted PE inclusive for all. Staying connected keeps us inspired, informed, and united in creating positive change!
Help us continue providing valuable resources by purchasing some awesome Adapted PE merchandise! We’ve curated a collection of gear perfect for educators, fitness enthusiasts, and supporters of inclusive physical education. Every purchase goes a long way in keeping our site running and improving.
Check out the merch here.
Stay Connected
Thank you for taking the time to read our Adapted PE newsletter! Your dedication to creating inclusive and engaging physical education experiences is what makes our community so strong. We’re always looking to collaborate and would love to feature your innovative ideas and success stories in future editions. Together, we can continue to improve and inspire each other. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update, and let’s keep the conversation going!
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- #AdaptedPE Newsletter 3 (Week of 8/26/2024)
- #AdaptedPE Newsletter 2 (Week of 8/19/2024)
- #AdaptedPE Newsletter 1 (Week of 8/12/2024)
