#AdaptedPE Newsletter 33 (Week of 04/21/2025)

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Thanks to our newest members!

Jennifer P., Karen R. Bette C.

Twitter/X: @LongviewAPE

Instagram: @mrjeffadaptedpe

We’re excited to highlight Jeff Watkins, a true innovator and advocate in the Adapted Physical Education community! Jeff recently teamed up with fellow APE rockstar Jody Duff for a “Build Day,” and the results were nothing short of incredible. Together, they created four accessible tools that will empower more students to engage and thrive in physical activity:

• 🥏 Switch-adapted frisbee thrower
• 🎨 Scarf thrower
• ⚾ Switch-adapted baseball pitcher
• 🌬️ Switch-adapted scarf wind tunnel

Jeff’s creativity and dedication to inclusive design help break down barriers and make movement fun for everyone. And that’s not all—Jeff will also be headlining SHAPE Pennsylvania this November, sharing his knowledge and passion with educators across the state.

We’re proud to celebrate Jeff as an APE leader, collaborator, and all-around amazing human. Thanks for all you do, Jeff! 💪 #AdaptedPE

Had a fun “Build Day” with @JodyDuff yesterday. We got 4 things built
1. Switch adapted frisbee thrower
2. Scarf Thrower
3. Switch adapted baseball pitcher
4. Switch adapted scarf wind tunnel pic.twitter.com/4HKyyTfCdH

— Jeff Watkins (@LongviewAPE) April 17, 2025

🚨 Introducing Headliner #6! 🚨⁰ We’re SO excited to welcome Jeff Watkins as a Headline Presenter at the 2025 SHAPE PA State Conference, happening November 13–14 at the Blair County Convention Center!

Jeff is the modern-day MacGyver of Adapted PE—a creative problem-solver who… pic.twitter.com/QvRoZtJ1Bm

— SHAPE PA (@SHAPE_PA) April 16, 2025

I’m honored to be part of the upcoming MAPEC (Maryland Adapted Physical Education Consortium) Annual Mini-Conference on Friday, May 3rd! This free, virtual event is open to everyone and packed with incredible sessions focused on Adapted Physical Education, inclusion, and innovative practices.

I’ll be joining a fantastic lineup of educators, researchers, and advocates who are doing amazing work in the field. Just check out this schedule!

🕘 Session Highlights:

• 9:10 AM: Adapt Anything to Make Everything Possible – Justin Lund (2024 Central District APE Teacher of the Year)
• 9:45 AM: Bridging the Gap: Research-Practitioner Partnerships in APE – Dr. Sean Fullerton, Towson University
• 10:05 AM: Developing Leadership with Partners in UPE – Marissa Neuman, Glen Burnie HS
• 10:40 AM: “Is It Student with Disability or Disabled Student?” – Adam Forbes, Norfolk State University
• 11:00 AM: Digital Tools & Resources for Educators – Matt Barker (2025 Southern District APE Teacher of the Year)
• 11:35 AM: Implementing Class Vision & Instant Activities – Colin Saylor, Old Mill HS & Salisbury Univ
• 12:10 PM: Supporting Multilingual Students in APE Settings – Sheyla Martin, PhD Scholar, Old Dominion University

There’s something valuable here for every educator—from hands-on tools to important conversations around language, access, and leadership in APE.

🎉 I’m so excited to be presenting alongside this inspiring group and would love to see you there. Let’s learn, share, and grow together!

📲 Click HERE to Register

I wanted to share an important opportunity from NCPEID (The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities). They’re collecting real stories from Adapted Physical Educators to help elevate our voices and experiences—and I’d love for you to join me in submitting one!

📝 Deadline: May 15, 2025
📧 Email your story to: ncpeid@gmail.com

These stories will be shared directly with Linda McMahon, providing key insights into the current challenges and successes in our field. It’s a powerful way to advocate for the changes we want to see in APE!

Here are a few guiding questions:

• What challenges are creating barriers to student success in APE?
• How does the U.S. Department of Education impact your work?
• How are current special education issues affecting your ability to lead, advocate, or implement change?

Whether it’s a personal experience, a student success story, or a policy-related frustration—your voice matters. Let’s make sure decision-makers hear directly from those of us doing the work every day. 💬

Let me know if you’re submitting one—I’d love to cheer you on or collaborate!

Had a fun “Build Day” with @JodyDuff yesterday. We got 4 things built
1. Switch adapted frisbee thrower
2. Scarf Thrower
3. Switch adapted baseball pitcher
4. Switch adapted scarf wind tunnel pic.twitter.com/4HKyyTfCdH

— Jeff Watkins (@LongviewAPE) April 17, 2025

Absolutely essential modifications for mini golf, designed by the best in the APE field@DigitTheAPE @NMcCoy_APE pic.twitter.com/UlleBbpDZs

— Leah Olson (@LehaOlsno) April 10, 2025

Take a look at our Banner signing for Unified Week at Lunch! Chuck a Duck and more!#unified #physed #adaptedpe pic.twitter.com/xiTfptYNFj

— Jen Heebink (@JenHeebink) April 16, 2025

Way to go @KeithTremel for creating this modified hockey stick for his #AdaptedPE students! He always ensures all of his students have options to participate with their peers. @CSULB_APE thank you for the inspiration for this modification!! @SHAPEAmerica @MAPEC_Members pic.twitter.com/WyyluL3D1Z

— Amy Falls, NBCT (@AFallsPETeach) April 10, 2025

We dropped 5 new episodes in March and every one is worth a listen! This one with @BHunterinBmore on Adapted Physical Education is a standout, filled with practical insights and incredible passion. Listen wherever you get your podcasts — and tag a PE colleague! #AdaptedPE #physed pic.twitter.com/xnqU6eBfkR

— DistinguishedPE (@GaryZDPE) April 12, 2025

🚨SHAPE MD WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT🚨
Join us on April 24, 2025 from 7 pm – 8 pm to be a part of the discussion with Jess Willson on modifying units to include all learners. Register today using the link or QR code. https://t.co/KMpnAzvQSh @MAPEC_Members pic.twitter.com/lnM3vp7QbO

— SHAPE Maryland (@SHAPEMaryland) March 6, 2025

This is a must see! Mike is a phenomenal presenter and this subject is something all #AdaptedPE teachers should learn https://t.co/ySdCigRWR1

— 🦍Matt Barker ⚽️𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙄𝙩.𝙘𝙤𝙢 (@DigitTheAPE) April 5, 2025

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🔈🔉🔊Announcing: 🔈🔉🔊

Our annual #AdaptedPE Mini-Conference Sat. May 3rd.

It will be free and virtual.

Register using this link or scan the QR code.https://t.co/mElQUjoGxD

A full line-up of sessions and presenters is coming soon. pic.twitter.com/FTlr5RiljF

— MAPEC (@MAPEC_Members) March 17, 2025

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!

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!

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!

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.

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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