#AdaptedPE Newsletter 26 (Week of 02/24/2025)

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 Resources ✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨Teacher Spotlight: Jody Duff 📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰SHAPE America Blog Post on Equipment Modifcations 🌟 Celebrating Adapted PE Week! 🌟FREE PD! 4th Annual Fairfax County Adapted PE Virtual Conference Bridging Ability and Activity with Assistive Technology in Adapted P.E.Best Items to add to your Sensory Room by ilslearning on IG #AdaptedPE Posts of the Week 📚🚀 Professional Development 🚀📚February NCPEID APE Collaborative Recording APENS Study Group: CAPE Certification Preparation 2025 Adapted PE Conferences:🎧🎙️ Podcasts to Motivate, Educate, and Inspire 🎙️🎧Talking Adapted PE Podcast What’s New in Adapted Physical Education Podcast AdaptX Podcast 🌟🤝 Support and Stay Connected 🤝🌟Stay Connected Newsletter Archive

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✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨

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

Teacher Spotlight: Jody Duff

🏆 National Adapted PE Teacher of the Year, 2018

This week, we highlight the incredible work of Jody Duff (@JodysAPE), an innovative Adapted PE teacher who is redefining possibilities for her students at Cedar Lane School in Fulton, Maryland.

Jody isn’t a golfer by trade, but she has used the sport to empower students with significant disabilities—proving that with creativity, determination, and the right modifications, every student can succeed. Through trial and error, she adapted golf equipment using everyday materials like PVC pipes, a plastic steering wheel, and Velcro, creating a fully inclusive experience that lets her students play independently.

But for Jody, it’s never just about the sport. It’s about breaking barriers, shifting perceptions, and giving students the opportunity to showcase their abilities.

📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰

Stay informed with the latest news, ideas from the field, and happenings in #AdaptedPE.

SHAPE America Blog Post on Equipment Modifcations

New Blog Post: 10 Super Simple Equipment Modifications to Support Your Students in PE by Matt Barker

"When I asked if she felt included, her answer was a resounding “Yes!”"

Read more:https://t.co/4fJA7RFj6i pic.twitter.com/PCOW6aLb97
— SHAPE America (@SHAPEAmerica) February 18, 2025

I’m excited to share my recent blog post, Super Simple Equipment Modifications to Support Your Students in PE, published on Shape America. In this article, I explore practical, innovative ideas for modifying physical education equipment to better support every student, regardless of their abilities. By showcasing easy-to-implement adaptations, the post highlights how small changes can make a big difference in creating a more inclusive and engaging PE environment. Whether you’re a teacher looking for fresh strategies or a school administrator committed to inclusive programming, this piece offers valuable insights to help you enhance your PE curriculum.

🌟 Celebrating Adapted PE Week! 🌟

We’ve teamed up with Danielle Musser & NCPEID to promote Adapted PE Week (March 9th-15th) and celebrate the incredible work you do!

We’d love to share free APE resources with you and provide your administrators with simple, low-cost ways to recognize and appreciate YOU.

📢 Sign up here to receive your resource folder and help us advocate for the field of Adapted PE!

FREE PD! 4th Annual Fairfax County Adapted PE Virtual Conference

Join me TODAY for my 2 sessions at the 4th Annual Fairfax County Adapted Physical Education Virtual Conference Hosted by the one and only Brad Weiner February 24, 2025! This free, fully virtual event is packed with sessions to inspire and empower APE educators. Plus many other awesome presentations! Read the full details and register here.

Bridging Ability and Activity with Assistive Technology in Adapted P.E.

Countdown to SHAPE America 2025 – Baltimore!

We’re gearing up for our presentation, “Bridging Ability and Activity with Assistive Technology in Adapted PE,” happening at SHAPE America in Baltimore! Join Jeff Watkins, Nicole McCoy, and Matt Barker on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Room 314-315) for an interactive session on how assistive technology is transforming adapted physical education.

This week’s Assistive Technology Highlight: Franklin Pitching Machine by Jeff Watkins

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A post shared by MrJeffAdaptedPE (@mrjeffadaptedpe)

Stay tuned each week as we share more exciting assistive technology leading up to our session! See you in Baltimore!

Best Items to add to your Sensory Room by ilslearning on IG

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A post shared by Integrated Learning Strategies (@ilslearning)

#AdaptedPE Posts of the Week

Having some fun with our 3D printer and we made the cutest mini curling rocks to spice up our switches to make them more engaging 🥌 #AdaptedPE #PhysEd #ATinAPE pic.twitter.com/kUFpMV7dup
— Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE) February 21, 2025

These interactions with family are so powerful and uplifting.

Communicating home regularly about student progress is such a high leverage way to advocate for #AdaptedPE while building strong relationships!#MadeMyDay pic.twitter.com/iAgmeHEV7x
— Brad (@BHunterinBmore) February 21, 2025

Hello #adaptedpe #physed friends! @jenheebink here!I’m excited to share a passion project!I hope you will join me as I launch a new podcast dedicated to connect, inspire & amplify APE teachers’ voices & those who support all students.I can’t wait to share more!Premiering 4/4/25! pic.twitter.com/c1KfcVbUUX
— Heartbeats of Adapted PE Podcast (@heartbeatsofape) February 23, 2025

📚🚀 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.

February NCPEID APE Collaborative Recording

APENS Study Group: CAPE Certification Preparation

Are you preparing for your CAPE (Certified Adapted Physical Educator) certification? Join the APENS Study Group, hosted by NCPEID, to review key standards and get ready for the exam! Gamification will be used to make the review process fun and engaging, and different standards will be covered each month.

Zoom Link:
Join the Study Group Here

This study group is hosted by CSU Long Beach Project CAPE, the University of Utah, and Wayne State Scholars. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your skills and connect with others in the field!

2025 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference Name	Date	Location	Link
Fairfax County’s Fourth Annual Adapted P.E. National Conference	February 24 2025	Virginia (VIRTUAL)	Link
11th Annual Adapted Physical Education Conference	March 7, 2025	University of New Hampshire	Link
2025 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo	April 1-5, 2025	Baltimore, MD	Link
National Adapted PE Conference (with CAHPERD)	RESCHEDULED DATE: April 30- May 3, 2025	Pasadena, CA	Link
Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity	April 15–16, 2025	Honolulu, HI	Link
Colorado Adapted Physical Education Conference	May 18-20, 2025	Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, CO	Link
JMU CTA Adapted PE Conference	June 23-27, 2025	James Madison University, VA	Link
NCPEID Annual Conference	July 14-16, 2025	Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VA	Link
Minnesota Annual Adapted PE Conference	September 24-26, 2025	Minnesota	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.

Talking Adapted PE Podcast

Hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable Chris Ahrens, the Talking Adapted PE Podcast dives into all things Adapted Physical Education. From innovative teaching strategies to inspiring stories and expert interviews, Chris brings valuable insights to help educators and families support students of all abilities. Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and connected with the APE community!

What’s New in Adapted Physical Education Podcast

Hosted by the insightful Dr. Scott McNamara, this podcast keeps you up-to-date with the latest trends, research, and best practices in Adapted Physical Education. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, Dr. McNamara brings expert perspectives and practical tips to help you create inclusive, effective PE experiences for all students. Stay current and inspired—tune in today!

AdaptX Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Aylward, AdaptX Podcast amplifies the voices and ideas of individuals who are building accessible businesses, advocating for inclusion, or excelling in adaptive sports.

🌟🤝 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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