Newsletter

#AdaptedPE Newsletter 16 (Week of 12/2/2024)

Matt Barker (Digit the APE)
Matt Barker (Digit the APE)
12 Min Read

Welcome to the #AdaptedPE Newsletter!

Your weekly 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!

Contents
Welcome to the #AdaptedPE Newsletter!Support Our Work & Unlock Exclusive ResourcesProudly Co-Edited with Students from CSULB!✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨Chris Ahrens📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰APE Services for Preschoolers: A Critical Opportunity for InclusionAssistive Technology App made by CSULB StudentsAdapt Play ConnectCommunication/Visual ResourcesAffective SEL ResourceResearch Article: Adapted Physical Education – The Call for InclusionEasy Adapted PE on YouTubeFitness Advent Calendar!📚🚀 Professional Development 🚀📚MAPEC Professional Learning Session: December 2nd2025 Adapted PE Conferences:APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:🌟🤝 Support and Stay Connected 🤝🌟Stay ConnectedNewsletter Archive

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:

👉 Support & Join Us Today!

Proudly Co-Edited with Students from CSULB!

This newsletter was thoughtfully curated in collaboration with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and its dedicated Adapted Physical Education graduate students. Through this partnership, the newsletter brings together innovative ideas, research insights, and practical resources, all aimed at supporting educators in fostering inclusive and impactful learning environments. The collaboration ensures a blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience, highlighting the commitment of these future professionals to advancing the field of Adapted PE.

This weeks Newsletter Collaborators: Jose Torres and Erica Murillo. Thank you!

✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨

Each week, we highlight an inspiring educator in Adapted PE, showcasing their strategies, successes, and impact on students

Chris Ahrens

Meet Chris Ahrens, the 2024 California AHPERD Adapted PE Teacher of the Year and a passionate advocate for inclusive physical education. As the Lead Adapted PE Teacher for San Diego Unified School District, Chris brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to supporting students with disabilities through tailored physical education programs. Beyond the classroom, Chris is also a proud Paralympian, having represented Team USA in soccer at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

In addition to his professional and athletic accomplishments, Chris hosts the popular Talking Adapted PE Podcast, where he shares insights, strategies, and stories to inspire educators and promote awareness about adapted physical education. His commitment to inclusion, leadership in the field, and vibrant personality make him not only a respected educator but also a cherished colleague and friend to many.

Congratulations to Chris on his well-deserved recognition as the 2024 California AHPERD Adapted PE Teacher of the Year, and thank you for continuing to make a lasting impact on students, educators, and the broader community!

📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰

Stay informed with the latest news, professional development opportunities, and research advancements in the world of Adapted Physical Education.

APE Services for Preschoolers: A Critical Opportunity for Inclusion

Children as young as three years old are entitled to Adapted Physical Education (APE) services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that all preschool-aged children receiving a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) have access to physical education tailored to their unique needs. By starting these interventions early, children with disabilities can build essential physical skills, motor functions, and confidence while promoting inclusion, social interaction, and self-esteem. These services play a critical role in supporting a child’s holistic development and integration into school activities. Educators and parents can advocate for these rights by understanding the regulations outlined by the U.S. Department of Education, which provides detailed guidance on implementing APE for preschoolers. Learn more by accessing the full document here.

Assistive Technology App made by CSULB Students

Are you looking for creative and effective ways to support students with significant support needs during physical education? Long Beach State students have compiled an incredible collection of low- and high-tech assistive devices designed to enhance inclusion and participation.

This resource includes step-by-step instructions to help you create these devices yourself, making it accessible and practical for educators to implement in their classes.

💡 Explore the Assistive Technology Guide:
Click here to access the guide!

Want to learn more about assistive technology? Explore these assistive technology accounts for tools and inspiration:

Adapt Play Connect

Adapt_Play_Connect is run by Teresa and Courtney from HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. They share APE strategies and assistive technology solutions, such as a 3D-printed Bocce launcher with a free design file for printing.

Instagram: Adapt_Play_Connect
Launcher File: Download 3D File

Communication/Visual Resources

Teachers often create custom visuals due to limited pre-made options for students with severe disabilities. Tools like Canva, Teacher Pay Teachers (TPT), and ConnectABILITY help bridge this gap by providing tailored communication aids for accessibility and engagement.

Affective SEL Resource

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can be seamlessly integrated into APE lessons through daily check-ins and social stories. Social stories clarify rules and expectations for activities, from playground behavior to personal hygiene, fostering inclusion and self-regulation.

Research Article: Adapted Physical Education – The Call for Inclusion

Adapted physical education (APE) and adapted physical activity are essential for promoting physical activity and overall well-being for individuals with disabilities. In his insightful article, Alex X. Martínez, an Inclusion Specialist and Project Coordinator, discusses the critical role APE plays in fostering inclusion and improving health outcomes for students with disabilities.

💡 Key Takeaways:

  • APE programs improve physical fitness, motor skills, self-esteem, and socialization.
  • Adapted activities like beep-ball or hand-cycling ensure participation at all ability levels.
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and creative adaptations to movement, rules, and equipment are vital for accessible physical education.

Inclusion begins with recognizing students with disabilities as integral members of the school community. By tailoring physical activity programs, we empower students to develop lifelong habits for health and independence.

👉 Read more: Explore the full article here

Easy Adapted PE on YouTube

Easy Adapted PE is a YouTube channel run by Sara Fuller, providing practical tips and inclusive ideas for APE lessons. She regularly updates content to help teachers create purposeful and meaningful experiences for all students.

Watch on YouTube: Easy Adapted PE

Fitness Advent Calendar!

Celebrate the season with Our Fitness Advent Calendar! From December 1st to 24th, enjoy daily kid-friendly fitness challenges like dance-offs and yoga, perfect for all ages and designed to boost energy and build healthy habits. Track progress, earn badges, and join a global community through the interactive NetflexKids app for a joyful and active holiday season! 🎅✨

Fitness Advent Calendar

📚🚀 Professional Development 🚀📚

Stay up to date with the latest workshops, 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.

MAPEC Professional Learning Session: December 2nd

Mark your calendars for TODAY! December 2nd, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm! We’re thrilled to feature 2024 SHAPE Maryland Adapted PE Teacher of the Year, Melissa Orgera (@morgera10). Join MAPEC for an inspiring and informative session.

Register Now: Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to sign up!

2025 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference NameDateLocationLink
National Adapted PE Conference (with CAHPERD)January 22-25, 2025Pasadena, CALink
Fairfax County’s Fourth Annual Adapted P.E. National ConferenceFebruary 2025 (Exact Date TBD)VIRTUALTBD
Colorado Adapted Physical Education ConferenceMay 18-20, 2025Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, COLink
JMU CTA Adapted PE ConferenceJune 23-27, 2025James Madison University, VALink
NCPEID Annual ConferenceJuly 14-16, 2025Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VALink
Minnesota Annual Adapted PE ConferenceOctober (Date TBD), 2025MinnesotaLink

APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:

The study group uses gamification for review, rotating standards each month. Attendees will receive a Quizzizz for future study. The last remaining Fall semester dates is December 9, with sessions held at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST. The group is hosted by CSU Long Beach Project CAPE and UW-LaCrosse Scholars.

Join via Zoom: https://csulb.zoom.us/j/85372672032.

🌟🤝 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

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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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