Newsletter

#AdaptedPE Newsletter 18 (Week of 12/16/2024)

Matt Barker (Digit the APE)
Matt Barker (Digit the APE)
17 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

Newsletter Update: Holiday Break

The Adapted PE Newsletter will be taking a short break for the holidays to rest, recharge, and enjoy the season! We’ll be back on January 6th with more updates, resources, and ideas to kick off the new year. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year! See you in 2025! 😊

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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! 🙏Huge thank you to our first Members! Jill, Katharine B, and Laura C 🙏

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: Kendyl Nowels and Maya Langarica. Thank you!

✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨

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

Melissa Ottone: Inspiring Educator and Mentor

Melissa Ottone is not only an outstanding Adapted Physical Education (APE) teacher but also a dedicated professor at CSULB and a remarkable mentor to future APE educators. Passionate and well-versed in her craft, Melissa generously shares her resources, knowledge, and expertise with students in need. Her teaching style fosters enthusiasm and keeps students coming back to learn more. From thematic lessons to building strong relationships through social and emotional learning, her classroom is a welcoming environment for all. Melissa creates a safe and inclusive space for both child and adult learners, fostering genuine engagement and community. With over 30 years of experience and as a CSULB graduate, she has established an exceptional program that inspires success and inclusion.

Teacher Spotlight: Jen Heebink

2022 National Adapted PE Teacher of the Year

This week, Jen shared a powerful moment from one of her favorite community outings: adapted skiing! Despite near-zero temperatures, she and her students spent the day on the slopes, facing challenges head-on.

One student proudly declared, “Today I squashed my ‘scareds’!”—their way of saying they were brave. The student’s mom added, “This just opened up a whole new world for him!”

Moments like these show the transformative power of adapted PE. Thank you, Jen, for creating experiences that build confidence and open doors for your students!

📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰

Stay informed with the latest news, professional development opportunities, and research

Creative Teaching Tools

Power Soccer: Mario Pass Visual Resource

Thematic learning is a powerful way to engage students and can be thoughtfully incorporated into lessons to make them more dynamic and inclusive. Popular themes, like Super Mario Strikers soccer, spark interest but often lack representation for all students. When students see themselves reflected in activities, it inspires them to explore new challenges. This visual resource, created by CSULB student and CAPE Scholar Kendyl Nowels using Procreate (available for $12.99 on iOS), offers a task analysis for passing a soccer ball using a power chair. Power soccer is an exciting and accessible sport, demonstrating how adapted equipment and thoughtful modifications create an equitable and engaging environment where all students can succeed. Download visual here

Advocating for NC DPI Consultants and Our Profession

I recently saw an urgent post in a Facebook group about the potential non-renewal of contracts for NC DPI consultants, including Laurie Ray, who has been an incredible advocate for Adapted PE teachers and other specialized professionals.

While I am not a teacher in North Carolina, I know how vital consultants like Laurie are to supporting educators and ensuring students with unique needs receive the best possible services. Her role goes far beyond just answering questions—she’s been instrumental in advocating for our profession and helping educators navigate challenges that directly impact students.

The thought of losing such a critical resource is troubling, not just for North Carolina but for the example it sets elsewhere. I wanted to share this in case others feel moved to support.

If you’re a North Carolina educator or know others who are, please consider writing to:

Here’s a sample email you can use or adapt:

Subject: Support for NC DPI Consultants

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my support for the renewal of contracts for NC DPI consultants, including Laurie Ray. While I am not a teacher in North Carolina, I deeply understand the importance of consultants like Laurie in supporting educators and ensuring high-quality services for students with unique needs.

Laurie’s work has been instrumental in [example of impact, e.g., guiding compliance, providing professional development, or advocating for equitable services]. Losing her and others in similar roles would create significant gaps in support for both educators and students.

It’s clear that consultants like Laurie Ray are vital to the success of teachers, therapists, and students across the state. I urge you to prioritize the continuation of their work to sustain and strengthen these critical support systems.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Profession/Connection to Adapted PE or Education]

Creative Basketball Dribbling Adaptation

Kiersten Penrod, an itinerant Adapted Physical Education teacher at Northwest ISD, has developed a creative solution to assist students who use wheelchairs in practicing basketball dribbling. By attaching a basketball to a scooter using milk crates and elastic materials, she enables students to dribble without the ball rolling away, thereby enhancing their engagement and skill development.

This innovative approach exemplifies how adaptive equipment can be utilized to make physical education more inclusive and accessible for all students.

Creative SEL Resource: Emotion Bottle Caps

Shared by Carter Langston (PhonicsMan) on Facebook, this engaging resource uses bottle caps to teach emotional literacy. Each bottle cap features a face representing a different emotion, which can be screwed onto a base for interactive learning.

This hands-on tool is perfect for fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) in students, allowing them to recognize, name, and discuss emotions in a fun and tactile way.

Looking for an easy and creative way to enhance SEL in your class? Give this bottle cap idea a try!

Pickleball

Looking for ways to make pickleball more accessible? We’ve shared some simple ideas to help adapt the game for students with diverse needs. From equipment adjustments to creative variations, these strategies aim to make PE more inclusive for everyone.

Check out the full post here: Inclusive Pickleball: Simple Ways to Make Pickleball Accessible

Podcast Pick of the Week

AdaptX Podcast: Stories of Accessibility and Inclusion
Listen to the AdaptX Podcast
The AdaptX Podcast amplifies voices shaping accessibility in sports, business, and advocacy. Hosted by Brendan Aylward, founder and executive director of AdaptX, the podcast focuses on inclusion in fitness and sports. In a recent episode, Brendan interviews Aaron Golub, the first legally blind Division 1 football player. Aaron shares his journey, highlighting the role of assistive technology and internal motivation in overcoming challenges. While not specific to physical education, the AdaptX Podcast underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments that empower individuals with disabilities in sports, fitness, and life.

Follow for Teaching Inspiration

Coach Gerardi: Creative and Fun APE Ideas


Follow Coach Gerardi on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X
Coach Gerardi shares free, engaging content on all platforms, including lesson activities, teaching tips, and equipment-building tutorials. His creative ideas make teaching fun and accessible, offering a resourceful outlet for educators seeking fresh inspiration for their APE classrooms.

Research Insights

How APE Boosts Health and Fitness for Students with Disabilities
Read the article on ResearchGate
This study by Soslan Adyrkhaiev and Liudmya Adyrkhaieva examines the impact of Adapted Physical Education on the health and fitness of students with disabilities, particularly university students. The research highlights how tailored pedagogical approaches improve motor skills, activity levels, and confidence. Key recommendations include using differentiated methods, focusing on functional capabilities, and integrating students into comfortable environments. The study emphasizes the critical role of targeted physical education in supporting diverse student needs and enhancing overall well-being.

📚🚀 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.

Professional Development Opportunity in Hawaii!!

Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity
Visit the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity
The Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity is a premier event for students, professionals, and advocates in the field of disability studies. Hosted by the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, this global conference offers unparalleled networking, learning, and advocacy opportunities. The 2025 theme, By Us and For Us: Legacy and Future of Our Movement, emphasizes the principle Nothing About Us Without Us. Held from April 15–16, 2025, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu, this event features both in-person and virtual attendance options. It’s a must-attend for those committed to advancing disability advocacy, health, and fitness in an inclusive and collaborative way.

11th Annual Adapted Physical Education (APE) Conference

📅 Date: March 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: New Hampshire Hall, UNH

This year’s APE Conference promises to be an incredible opportunity to learn from three nationally recognized leaders in Adapted Physical Education. This event is organized by Dr. Scott McNamara and aims to promote inclusive and effective PE practices.

Featured Presenters:

✨ Dr. Anthony Maher (Leeds Beckett University) – Keynote speaker on connecting research to practice in teaching disabled youth in PE.
✨ Dr. Justin Haegele (Old Dominion University) – Researcher focused on understanding disabled children’s voices and inclusive experiences in PE.
✨ Dr. Matt Townsley (University of Northern Iowa) – Leader in standards-based grading.

🎟 Cost: $75 (professionals) | $25 (students) – Includes parking & lunch!

👉 Register now: https://learnforlife.unh.edu/…/participantTypeSelection…

MAPEC Professional Learning Session: January 9th at 4:00 PM EST

Join MAPEC for an engaging discussion on the topic:
“How #PhysEd, #AdaptedPE, and #UnifiedPE Are Similar Yet Different.”

Led by the MAPEC Board, this panel will explore the unique and overlapping traits of each field, providing insights for educators and advocates alike.

📅 Date: January 9th, 2024
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM EST

✅ Register here: [https://forms.gle/mPFefVd7vbpL5

View MAPEC’s previous professional development by clicking here

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
11th Annual Adapted Physical Education ConferenceMarch 7, 2025University of New HampshireLink
Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and DiversityApril 15–16, 2025Honolulu, HILink
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

🌟🤝 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.

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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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