In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Zach Friedley, a trail running pioneer and advocate for adaptive sports. They discuss Zach's journey from childhood experiences with disability to his current role in promoting inclusivity in trail running through his nonprofit, Born to Adapt. The conversation covers the evolution of disability perception, the challenges faced by adaptive athletes, and the importance of community engagement in sports. Zach shares insights on innovations in prosthetics, the impact of the Mendocino Movement Project, and his aspirations for the future of adaptive sports.

Takeaways

Zach Friedley is a pioneer in adaptive sports and trail running.

The perception of disability has evolved significantly over the years.

Community engagement is crucial for breaking down barriers in sports.

Zach's journey into running officially began in 2019.

The importance of visibility and representation in sports for disabled individuals.

Innovations in prosthetics have greatly improved the experience for adaptive athletes.

Born to Adapt aims to create inclusive running events for all abilities.

Zach emphasizes the need for adaptive categories in major races.

The Mendocino Movement Project focuses on changing lives through movement.

Future goals include building inclusive run groups and expanding adaptive sports opportunities.

Keywords

adaptive sports, disability inclusion, trail running, prosthetics, Born to Adapt, Mendocino Movement Project, community engagement, visibility, mentorship, running events

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Dr. Nicola McDowell, founder of the Austin McDowell Foundation and creator of the Austin Assessment App, discusses her journey with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a brain-based visual issue that affects how visual information is processed. She shares insights into the challenges of diagnosis, the importance of empowerment through knowledge, and the development of the Austin Assessment app, a screening tool designed to identify CVI-related visual issues. Dr. McDowell emphasizes the need for greater awareness and advocacy for individuals with CVI and discusses strategies for supporting those with visual impairments in various settings, including education and fitness.

Takeaways

• Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a brain-based visual issue.
• Many children with CVI pass standard visual screenings and go undiagnosed.
• Dr. McDowell's personal experience with CVI took 17 years to diagnose.
• Empowerment through knowledge is crucial for rehabilitation.
• CVI requires a medical diagnosis but lacks a medical fix.
• 3.4% of children in mainstream education may have visual issues related to CVI.
• The Austin Assessment app serves as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool.
• Parents should be empowered to support their children with CVI.
• Raising awareness of CVI is essential for better recognition and support.
• CVI needs to be recognized similarly to autism for better advocacy.

Keywords

Cerebral Visual Impairment, CVI, visual impairment, accessibility, education, rehabilitation, Austin Assessment, advocacy, neuroplasticity, empowerment

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Winston Clements, a keynote speaker and disability advocate. Winston shares his journey from the tech industry to public speaking, discussing the challenges he faced due to his disability, including unconscious bias in hiring processes. He emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in workplaces and offers insights on etiquette when interacting with disabled individuals. Throughout the conversation, Winston highlights the need for understanding and empathy, encouraging listeners to focus on commonalities rather than differences. He also addresses the expectations placed on him as a speaker and his passion for discussing resilience and high performance. In this conversation, Winston Clements shares his experiences navigating life with a disability, focusing on themes of resilience, content creation, and parenting. He discusses the challenges of accessibility, the impact of public perception, and the importance of normalizing the lives of people with disabilities through social media. Winston also reflects on the balance between sharing his family's journey online and protecting their privacy, as well as the lessons he hopes to impart to his daughter about kindness and adaptability. The conversation concludes with insights into healthcare interactions and Winston's aspirations for the future.

Takeaways

• Public speaking became my second career after tech.
• I wanted to support people with disabilities through my story.
• Unconscious biases affect how we perceive others.
• Pigeonholing individuals based on disability is common.
• Accommodations for disabilities are often inexpensive.
• Treat disabled individuals like anyone else when meeting them.
• Inclusivity in hiring processes is crucial for success. Navigating transport systems can be challenging for those with disabilities.
• Public perception often includes stereotypes that need to be addressed.
• Balancing public life with family privacy is a continuous challenge.
• Children can be intuitive and adapt to their parents' needs.
• Healthcare professionals need to communicate inclusivity to patients with disabilities.
• Future aspirations include engaging more with the community and sharing messages of resilience.

Keywords

disability, public speaking, unconscious bias, inclusion, accessibility, hiring process, workplace culture, etiquette, resilience, high performance, disability, resilience, parenting, healthcare, content creation, accessibility, inclusion, family, social media, community

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Caleb Pruitt, a 17-year-old athlete breaking barriers in running and triathlon, and his mother, Karen. They discuss Caleb's journey in sports, the impact of Special Olympics, the challenges of training, and the importance of inclusivity in athletics. Caleb shares his experiences of achieving world records and his aspirations for the future, including upcoming races and his goals beyond sports. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and motivation for individuals with disabilities.

Takeaways

• Caleb started running during the pandemic to stay active.
• Special Olympics played a crucial role in Caleb's socialization.
• Caleb enjoys biking the most in triathlons.
• He is one of the youngest people with Down syndrome to complete a triathlon.
• Caleb has set multiple world records in running.
• Community support is vital for athletes with disabilities.
• Motivation for individuals with ID often needs to be tangible.
• Inclusivity in races is beneficial for all participants.
• Caleb's journey inspires other families with disabilities.
• Awareness and training for gym staff can improve inclusivity.

Keywords

Caleb Pruitt, Special Olympics, triathlon, world records, inclusivity, disabilities, running, motivation, training, community support

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Adele Smolansky, founder and CEO of AI Learners, an educational platform designed to support students with disabilities through AI-powered learning tools. Adele shares her personal journey of creating AI Learners, inspired by her sister's challenges during the COVID pandemic. The conversation delves into the importance of customization and engagement in educational tools, the effectiveness of AI in enhancing accessibility, and the ongoing efforts to develop social skills in students post-COVID. They also discuss the challenges of building a sustainable business model in the ed-tech space and the significance of creating inclusive environments in fitness and education.

To learn more about Adele and AI-Learners, visit these links,

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelesmolansky/

Website: https://ai-learners.com/

Takeaways

AI Learners focuses on making learning accessible for all abilities.

The platform was inspired by personal experiences with disabilities.

Customization is key for engaging students with disabilities.

Measuring effectiveness involves both qualitative and quantitative data.

The platform is subscription-based, charging by the student.

Gamification elements are designed to motivate students without pressure.

AI Learners serves a wide age range, from 3 to 22 years old.

The platform is designed to facilitate lessons beyond just screen time.

Accessibility in tech is often an afterthought but should be prioritized.

Building relationships with educators is crucial for outreach and growth.

Keywords

AI Learners, accessibility, education technology, disabilities, engagement, customization, social skills, digital accessibility, learning outcomes, inclusive fitness

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Danny Combs, a leading voice in creating equitable futures for neurodistinct individuals in business and equality of opportunity for the entire disability community. Mr. Combs is the inaugural Director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, Colorado’s senior strategic and policy agency housed in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, working with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to help make Colorado the best state in the country for people with disabilities. He is the founder of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), the state of Colorado’s leading transition to employment and training organization, and the co-founder of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, the first neurodiverse chamber in the country. They discuss Danny's personal journey, the importance of a strengths-based approach to neurodiversity, and the evolution of TACT from humble beginnings to a significant nonprofit. The conversation also covers the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workforce, the establishment of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, and the unique initiatives Colorado is implementing to support people with disabilities. Danny emphasizes the need for collaboration among organizations and the importance of creating inclusive environments in various sectors, including fitness.

Takeaways

• Danny's father inspired his passion for inclusion.
• The diagnosis of autism was initially met with resistance.
• A strengths-based approach is crucial for neurodivergent individuals.
• The trades offer valuable opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
• Employers often ask the wrong questions in interviews.
• TACT evolved from a mobile program to a large facility.
• Funding for nonprofits is often reliant on grants.
• The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office aims to elevate disability services.
• Colorado is leading in digital accessibility initiatives.
• Creating inclusive fitness environments requires staff education.

Keywords

inclusion, disability advocacy, neurodiversity, TACT, employment, strengths-based approach, trades, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, fitness accessibility, nonprofit sustainability

In this conversation, Tanner Gers and Brendan Aylward discuss the importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities, focusing on employment, training, and the role of digital accessibility. Tanner shares his personal journey of losing his sight and how it led him to create a business aimed at helping others with disabilities find meaningful work. They explore the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the job market, the misconceptions surrounding adaptive sports, and the need for more inclusive practices in the fitness industry. The discussion also touches on the future of digital accessibility and the potential impact of technology on improving accessibility outcomes.

To learn more about Tanner and AccessAbility Officer visit these links below:

Company Website - https://accessabilityofficer.com/

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannergers/

Takeaways

The interview process is crucial for meaningful conversations.

The goal is to equalize the unemployment rates for disabled individuals.

Changing societal perceptions about disabilities is essential.

Employment opportunities should not be given based on disability but on qualifications.

Digital accessibility requires thorough testing and reporting.

Accessibility overlays can sometimes create more barriers than they solve.

The future of digital accessibility will involve more technology integration.

Small businesses often face challenges in understanding accessibility compliance.

Tanner's entrepreneurial journey is driven by a desire to help others.

Hope for recovery and improvement in vision is a powerful motivator.

Keywords

accessibility, disabilities, inclusion, adaptive sports, digital accessibility, employment, training, entrepreneurship, visual impairment, fitness

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Chris Ruden is an amputee, Type 1 diabetic record-holding powerlifter, motivational keynote speaker, and author of The Art of Changing Course. From being humiliated and labeled broken because of his disability to struggling with mental health and living in a non-disabled-inclusive world, Chris learned to turn his obstacles into opportunities, now using his badass bionic arm, diabetes technology, and message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to embrace his disability, the importance of representation, and how fitness became a coping mechanism. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the power of language and identity in personal growth and the importance of seeing individuals beyond their disabilities. In this conversation, Chris and Brendan explore the importance of focusing on end benefits in fitness and personal growth, the significance of storytelling in motivational speaking, and the need for genuine inclusion and accessibility in various sectors, particularly fitness.

To learn more about Chris and his mission, visit these links!

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisruden/

Website- https://chrisruden.com/

Takeaways

• Everyone manages change, whether they want to or not.
• Hiding my disability for 17 years shaped my identity.
• Representation matters in acceptance and growth.
• Fitness became a way to cope with my challenges.
• Innovative training techniques can empower individuals with disabilities.
• Understanding change is crucial for personal development.
• Language shapes our identity and self-perception.
• We must separate our past habits from our current identities.
• It's important to treat people as individuals, not conditions.
• Radical honesty is essential for personal growth.
• Finding fulfillment in work is crucial for happiness.
• Inclusion should be a continuous practice, not a one-time event.
• Burnout often stems from forgetting the importance of our work.
• Identifying when to pivot requires self-honesty.
• Everyone has the potential to influence and inspire others.

Keywords

disability, motivation, fitness, powerlifting, bodybuilding, change management, representation, mental health, personal growth, inclusion, fitness, inclusion, accessibility, personal growth, motivation, speaking, coaching, disability, empowerment, business

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Karen Hurley, a physical therapist and owner of AIM Therapy, where she provides fitness opportunities for athletes with all abilities, learning styles and communication preferences. AIM uses the principles of Least Restrictive Environment for her athletes to be successful as well as principles of Universal Fitness with all classes.They discuss the importance of individualized fitness plans, the role of physical therapy versus adaptive fitness, and strategies for behavior management and motivation. Karen shares her insights on inclusion, community support, transitioning to a non-profit model, and her future goals of creating a manual for coaches.

Takeaways

• Karen Hurley emphasizes the importance of getting out of your comfort zone in professional settings.
• Inclusion varies based on individual needs and preferences.
• Success in fitness for individuals with disabilities looks different than traditional metrics.
• Behavior is a form of communication that needs to be understood and addressed.
• Creating individualized fitness plans is essential for athletes with autism and neurodiversity.
• Community and peer support play a crucial role in the success of adaptive fitness programs.
• Embracing the messiness of adaptive fitness can lead to better outcomes for clients.
• Karen is developing a manual to help other coaches work with adaptive populations.
• Transitioning to a nonprofit model can help address inequities in access to fitness for individuals with disabilities.

Keywords

accessible fitness, adaptive sports, physical therapy, inclusion, autism, behavior management, community support, fitness for disabilities, neurodiversity, entrepreneurship

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Accessible Fitness

06:03 Understanding the Role of Physical Therapy vs. Adaptive Fitness

14:04 Motivating and Managing Behavior in Adaptive Fitness

19:50 The Importance of Collaboration with Support Teams

26:07 Evolving Perspectives on Inclusion

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Robert Costa, an Ironman triathlete and business owner, about his journey through spinal cord injury and his transition into endurance sports. Robert shares his experiences of overcoming challenges, the importance of community support, and the lessons he hopes to impart to his children. He discusses the mental and physical aspects of recovery, adapting to new goals, and his training regimen as he prepares for future races. In this conversation, Robert Costa shares his experiences as an athlete with a disability, discussing the challenges he faced during races, the importance of community support, and the role of mindset in overcoming obstacles. He emphasizes the need for inclusivity in fitness and encourages individuals with disabilities to pursue their goals without self-limiting beliefs. The discussion also highlights the significance of community and personal growth in the journey of recovery and athletic performance.

Takeaways

• Robert's journey into endurance sports began after his injury.
• Community support played a crucial role in Robert's recovery.
• Mental resilience is key in overcoming challenges post-injury.
• Parenting has become a way for Robert to set an example for his children.
• Robert emphasizes the importance of not needing specialized equipment to participate in sports.
• He reflects on the emotional difficulty of accepting help from others.
• Training for endurance events requires a significant mental and physical commitment.
• Robert's career goals have shifted since his injury, focusing more on helping others.
• He believes in the importance of teaching children resilience and responsibility.
• Robert aims to return to Kona for another Ironman attempt. Self-medication can lead to serious health issues.
• The journey to a race is often more significant than the race itself.
• Community support plays a crucial role in recovery.
• Mindset is essential for overcoming challenges in sports.
• Inclusivity in fitness is vital for all individuals.
• Self-limiting beliefs can hinder progress and participation.
• Victory and failure are amplified for individuals with disabilities.
• Open communication is key in fitness environments.
• Personal actions can inspire others in the community.
• Setting and achieving small goals builds resilience.

Keywords

adaptive sports, resilience, Ironman, spinal cord injury, community support, parenting, endurance sports, personal growth, mental health, goal setting, athletics, disability, inclusivity, community support, mental coaching, fitness, triathlon, recovery, mindset