In a thought-provoking editorial published in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly (April 2025), scholars Justin A. Haegele and Joonkoo Yun shine a spotlight on the critical crossroads facing adapted physical activity (APA) in the United States. Titled “Adapted Physical Activity in the United States: Considerations for the (Near) Future”, the piece calls for bold reflection and action to ensure the field remains impactful, inclusive, and indispensable—regardless of federal mandates like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
More Than Just Movement Adapted physical activity is about far more than fitness. It’s about creating opportunities—for health, joy, independence, and belonging. Despite clear evidence of its benefits, only a small fraction of youth and adults with disabilities engage in enough physical activity to enjoy these outcomes. The editorial underscores the role of APA professionals as change-makers who must not only advocate for inclusive practices but also produce the research that will inspire and shape them.
School: The Starting Line Haegele and Yun emphasize the essential role of schools in fostering lifelong healthy habits. From teachers’ self-efficacy to students’ feelings of inclusion, APA research has influenced many aspects of education. But there’s still a long road ahead. Too many students with disabilities experience isolation and exclusion in PE classes. The field must double down on creating evidence-based strategies that lead to meaningful, empowering physical education for all.
From Inclusion to Empowerment The editorial also points to a philosophical shift within the field—from simply “including” students to actively dismantling ableist practices and policies. Today’s APA scholars are exploring new frameworks rooted in disability justice, intersectionality, and relational ethics. These evolving perspectives don’t just change how we teach—they change how we understand ability, value, and community.
What Comes Next? Haegele and Yun’s editorial is not just a reflection—it’s a rallying cry. They invite others in the field to contribute, challenge, and co-create the next chapter of APA. It’s clear: the future of adapted physical activity depends on our collective will to innovate, include, and inspire.
Because when we commit to accessible movement for all, we’re not just improving physical education—we’re reshaping what equity truly means.
Click the link in the tweet below to access the editorial.
[Editorial] With the current changes to the US Department of Education, I asked JK Yun to join me in reflecting about what it means for the field of adapted physical activity in the US this @APAQjournal editorial. https://t.co/eHVxM3pMCQ@NCPEID @CMHD_at_ODU pic.twitter.com/jYz9SE8Kio
— Justin A. Haegele (@Justin_Haegele) April 23, 2025
