In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Anna McKeown, the executive director of Dreamfar, an organization that welcomes teens with diverse backgrounds and abilities to take part in a program that combines mentorship and distance running as a pathway to improve their physical and mental fitness, build community, and develop self-efficacy.They discuss the impact of mentorship, the importance of inclusivity in sports, and the unique experiences of mentees. Anna shares insights on setting goals, community support, and the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in endurance sports.

To learn more about Anna McKeown and Dream Far, check the links below,

Website: https://www.dreamfarhsm.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-e-mckeown?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dreamfarhsm/?hl=en

Takeaways

• Dreamfar combines mentorship and distance running for youth.
• The program has served over a thousand students since 2008.
• Inclusivity is a core value of Dreamfar's mission.
• Community support is essential for the program's success.
• Transportation can be a significant barrier for participants.
• The program adapts to meet the needs of each mentee.
• Success stories highlight the transformative impact of running.
• Future goals include expanding accessibility and outreach.

Keywords: Dreamfar, mentorship, inclusion, adaptive sports, running, youth programs, community support, accessibility, fundraising, endurance sports

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dreamfar and Its Mission

02:52 The Impact of Mentorship and Running

06:09 Curriculum and Inclusivity in Training

08:56 Setting Goals and Achieving Milestones

12:02 Community Support and Fundraising

18:13 Flexibility and Accessibility in Participation

21:14 Unique Experiences and Success Stories

23:55 Barriers to Participation in Endurance Sports

27:08 Future Goals and Expansion Plans

29:58 How to Get Involved with Dreamfar

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Dr. Swapna Balakrishnan discusses her journey into the field of neurodegenerative diseases and the importance of bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. Dr. Swapna Balakrishnan is a Doctor of physical therapy and currently a PhD Candidate in the Mobility and Investigative Neuroimaging (MAIN) Lab at the University of Vermont. She has extensive experiences of providing evidenced based care to patients with advanced dementia, stroke, spinal cord injury, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Her current research focuses on the use of wearable sensors to better understand how people with stroke move in the community and stay physically active.

To learn more about Swapna and the MAIN Lab, check the links below,

• Main Labs Website: https://mainlab.wixsite.com/mainlab

• Wearable Lab Study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSqUN9dsSQ
• Swapna’s Email: [email protected]'

Takeaways

• The transition from inpatient to community care is crucial for stroke recovery.
• Community fitness centers can play a significant role in post-stroke recovery.
• Wearable sensors can help monitor activity levels in stroke patients.
• There is a disconnect between research and clinical practice that needs to be addressed.
• Insurance coverage often limits ongoing support for stroke survivors.
• Motivation is key to encouraging physical activity post-stroke.
• Collaboration between clinicians and fitness professionals is vital for patient success.

Keywords: accessible healthcare, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke recovery, wearable sensors, community fitness, rehabilitation, personal trainers, patient motivation, healthcare collaboration, research in physical therapy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Accessible Healthcare

06:51 Community-Based Recovery Post-Stroke

13:41 The Importance of Ongoing Support

20:22 Data Collection and Community Mobility

27:12 Excitement for Research and Proactive C

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Brendan speaks with Kristina Ericson, Kristina Ericson, MSW, CPACC, ADAC (she/her) is a disability policy advisor for the State of Colorado, and a Co-Founder and Director of the Adaptive Climbers Festival – an annual, non-profit, rock climbing event for the paraclimbing community. A social worker and accessibility specialist by training, her work centers around knocking down macro-level accessibility barriers through policy and systems change. Kristina holds a B.A. from Long Island University’s Global College, and a Masters in Social Work and Policy from Washington University in St. Louis. She proudly works on a variety of local, state, and national accessibility-focused boards and working groups. Kristina has lived in more than a dozen countries, is an NYC AmeriCorps alum, and lives in the mountains above Denver where she is an avid snowboarder, climber, and backpacker.

To learn more about Kristina and the Adaptive Climber’s Festival, check the links below,

Kristina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinaericson/

Adaptive Climbers Festival Website: https://www.adaptiveclimbersfest.org/

Takeaways

• Disability rights are often overlooked in global contexts.
• Creating inclusive environments requires open dialogue and education.
• Financial barriers are significant in accessing outdoor sports.
• Representation in teaching roles is crucial for disabled individuals.
• Inclusion can enhance business models rather than detract from them.
• Diverse experiences enrich the adaptive sports community. Mentorship is crucial in adaptive sports.
• Disability is a spectrum, not a box to check.
• Events should prioritize accessibility from the start.
• Sponsorships can enhance accessibility in outdoor activities.
• Collaboration with brands can lead to better designs for all.

Keywords: accessibility, disability advocacy, adaptive sports, inclusion, policy change, community impact, outdoor sports, climbing, Adaptive Climbers Festival, global perspectives, adaptive climbing, disability inclusion, mentorship, fitness accessibility, community building, event organization, climbing festival, disability rights, sponsorship, adaptive sports

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Accessibility Advocacy

08:36 Global Perspectives on Accessibility

14:05 Challenges in Outdoor Accessibility

21:01 Mentorship in Adaptive Climbing

27:35 Hosting Inclusive Events

31:16 Making Fitness More Inclusive

35:42 Sponsorship and Partnerships in ACF

Brendan speaks with Brandon Biggs, CEO and co-founder of XR Navigation, about his journey into technology and the development of Audiom, an inclusive digital map viewer designed to assist individuals with visual impairments. They discuss the challenges of accessibility in digital spaces, the importance of adhering to accessibility standards, and the role of AI in enhancing accessibility solutions. Brandon shares insights on how gyms and fitness centers can become more inclusive and emphasizes the need for advocacy in making digital content accessible for everyone.

To learn more about Brandon and XR Navigation, check out the links below,

Brandon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonkeithbiggs/

XR Navigation’s Website: https://xrnavigation.io/

XR Navigation’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xrnavigation/

Takeaways

• Audiom allows users to access maps through auditory, visual, and tactile modalities.
• Accessibility in maps is crucial for blind individuals to navigate effectively.
• Many digital maps are inaccessible, providing little to no information for screen reader users.
• AI can assist in development but is not a replacement for human understanding in spatial reasoning.
• Gyms can improve accessibility by providing audio maps and avoiding touchscreen-only equipment.
• Advocacy for accessibility can come from anyone, not just those with disabilities.

Keywords: accessibility, technology, Audiom, inclusive design, digital maps, assistive technology, Brandon Biggs, XR Navigation, visual impairment, navigation solutions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Accessible Innovation

05:56 The Birth of Audiom: A Solution for Accessibility

12:11 The Importance of Accessibility Standards

18:00 The Role of AI in Accessibility

23:50 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Brendan engages with Chris Ahrens, an educator and former member of the US Para 7v7 national soccer team. They discuss the profound impact of sports on personal development, the importance of adaptive sports for youth with disabilities, and the evolving landscape of adaptive physical education. Chris shares his journey from traditional sports to adaptive sports, the societal perceptions of disability, and the critical need for inclusivity in physical education. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the role of parents in shaping attitudes towards disability. The conversation explores the importance of fostering student autonomy and inclusion in physical education, the need for feedback mechanisms to enhance inclusivity, and the preparation of general PE teachers to support students with disabilities.

To keep up with Chris, check out the links below,

X: https://x.com/chrisahrens

Keywords: adaptive sports, inclusion, disability awareness, physical education, Paralympics, youth development, sports impact, adaptive physical education, societal perceptions, parenting, inclusion, adaptive physical education, student autonomy, feedback mechanisms, general PE teachers, gym accessibility, disability soccer, adaptive fitness, education, fitness

Takeaways

• Increased coverage of adaptive sports can change lives.
• There is a need to assess if inclusion efforts are effective.
• It's important to think critically about adaptive technologies. Student autonomy and choice are crucial for inclusion.
• Feedback from students is essential for program development.
• Creating inclusive environments benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• Adaptive PE specialists play a vital role in education.
• Gyms need to foster a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
• Inclusivity in fitness requires education and awareness.
• Collaboration among educators and specialists is key.
• Future initiatives should focus on expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adaptive Sports and Inclusion

05:55 The Impact of Adaptive Sports on Youth

11:56 Parenting and Disability Awareness

18:12 Evolution of Adaptive Physical Education

23:56 Assessing Inclusivity in Physical Education

30:54 The Role of Adaptive PE Specialists

37:30 Advancing Disability Soccer and Future Initiatives

In this conversation, Dr. Justin Haegele and Brendan Aylward explore the complexities of inclusion in adaptive physical education and fitness. They discuss personal experiences that shaped their understanding of inclusion, the evolution of language used in the field, and the challenges faced in creating meaningful experiences for individuals with disabilities. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of listening to disabled voices, the need for comprehensive training for educators, and the balance between providing inclusive environments while recognizing individual needs. They discuss the challenges of making promises of inclusion, the need for qualitative insights over quantitative metrics, and the role of positive experiences in physical education in fostering lifelong physical activity.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

02:27 The Evolution of Inclusion Perspectives

13:16 Challenges in Adaptive Physical Education

18:45 Creating Meaningful Experiences in Fitness

24:51 Assessing Experience Beyond Performance

32:40 The Role of Physical Education in Lifelong Activity

38:42 Language and Perception of Disability

48:17 Engaging Disabled Voices in Fitness Design

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan speaks with Aaron Golub, a legally blind athlete who made history as a Division I football player at Tulane University. Aaron shares his journey from childhood sports to discovering his passion for football and long snapping. He discusses the challenges he faced in high school, the importance of assistive technology in his academic success, and how he navigated his identity as an athlete with a disability. Aaron emphasizes the significance of internal motivation, the role of leadership, and the need for accessibility in gyms. He also shares insights into his professional speaking engagements and his aspirations in the business world.

Keywords: Aaron Golub, adaptive sports, disability awareness, long snapping, Tulane University, assistive technology, motivation, leadership, gym accessibility, entrepreneurship

Takeaways

• Internal motivation is key to long-term success, beyond external inspiration.
• Accessibility in gyms can be improved with simple changes like color contrast.
• Leadership is about actions, not just words, and supporting others.
• Failure is a part of growth; it's important to learn from it.
• The importance of asking for help in the gym and overcoming intimidation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aaron Golub and His Journey

05:02 Overcoming Challenges in High School Football

10:32 Assistive Technology and Academic Success

14:56 The Balance of Disability and Identity

17:53 The Role of Motivation and Internal Drive

20:31 Professional Speaking and Leadership

26:56 Experiences in the Gym and Overcoming Barriers

29:56 Future Aspirations and Business Ventures

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan engages in a conversation with Dr. Tyler Garner and his father, Doug Garner, about the significance of adaptive sports in their lives. They discuss the advocacy efforts that shaped Tyler's early experiences in sports, the challenges faced in gaining acceptance and opportunities, and the impact of sports on identity and social dynamics. Tyler shares his journey in exercise science, his experiences as a professor with a disability, and insights into nutrition and physical activity for wheelchair users. The conversation also touches on the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion, the importance of equipment fit, and the future of adaptive sports in the media landscape. This conversation explores the evolution of adaptive sports in universities, the challenges faced by athletes like Tyler Garner in preparing for events like the Ironman, and the importance of advocacy through literature. The discussion also touches on the reflections of a parent navigating the world of disability sports and the need for greater accessibility in fitness environments.

Check out the links below to learn more about Dr. Tyler Garner and order the Garner’s book,

Dr. Tyler Garner Faculty Profile: https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?username=tgarner

Amazon link: Speed Training for Wheelchair Basketball: Skills and Drills for Improving Speed and Agility

Takeaways

• Adaptive sports can significantly impact identity and social dynamics.

• Nutrition education is crucial for wheelchair users.

• Social media has increased visibility for adaptive sports.

• Equipment fit is essential for preventing injuries in athletes.

• Advocacy is necessary for inclusion in sports.

• The role of family dynamics in sports participation is significant.

• The future of adaptive sports looks promising with increased media exposure. Adaptive sports are gaining recognition at the university level.

• Coaching education for adaptive sports is still in its infancy.

• There's a need for practical applications of sports science for disabled athletes.

• Research on disability sports needs to be more accessible and applicable.

• Staff training is crucial for making fitness spaces accessible.

• Adaptive sports can inspire more literature and advocacy efforts.

Keywords: adaptive sports, inclusion, disability advocacy, wheelchair basketball, exercise science, nutrition, biomechanics, social media, para-sports, identity, Ironman, fitness accessibility, coaching education, university sports, literature

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adaptive Sports and Family Dynamics

05:56 Overcoming Barriers in Adaptive Sports

11:47 Pursuing a Career in Exercise Science

18:00 Nutrition and Physical Activity for Wheelchair Users

23:55 Equipment Fit and Injury Prevention

27:04 The Future of Adaptive Sports and Media Exposure

35:06 Advocacy Through Literature: Writing for Adaptive Sports

41:11 Reflections on Parenting and Disability

43:02 Making Fitness Accessible: Insights and Innovations

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan sits down with Eavan O'Neill, a dedicated marathoner and passionate advocate for the blind and visually impaired community. Eavan shares her journey of being diagnosed with Stargardt's disease, a condition that causes progressive vision loss, and how it has shaped her life. She discusses the c6dxolhallenges of navigating college, her career aspirations in the healthcare field, and the importance of community support through her initiative, Brightside. Eavan also highlights her passion for running, including her experiences with the Speed Project and the Boston Marathon, and reflects on personal growth and the duality of desiring a cure while embracing her identity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding and supporting individuals with disabilities, as well as the power of resilience and community.

To learn more about Eavan and Brightside, check out the links below,

Eavan’s Instagram: @eavanoneilll

Eavan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eavan-o-neill-79996a135/

Brightsides Instagram: @bright_side.group

Keywords: Stargardt's disease, vision loss, running, advocacy, community support, adaptive sports, personal growth, marathon, Brightside, disability inclusion

Takeaways

• Personal challenges, such as living with a progressive condition, can shape one's life and perspective, requiring adaptation and resilience.

• Overcoming obstacles, whether in education or career, often involves finding ways to balance personal struggles with professional and academic goals.
• Having a strong support system is crucial in facing life's difficulties, and initiatives that foster community support can make a significant difference.
• Pursuing personal passions, like sports or hobbies, can provide motivation and serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and perseverance.
• The journey of accepting one's identity while still striving for improvement or change reflects the complexity of personal growth.
• Resilience is key to overcoming life's challenges, and it's important to foster understanding and support for those facing disabilities or other hardships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eavan O'Neill and Stargardt's Disease

04:51 Coping with Diagnosis During the Pandemic

10:05 Career Aspirations and Shifts Post-Diagnosis

18:54 Adapting Running Techniques for Vision Loss

28:24 Experiencing the Boston Marathon

32:30 Building Community Through Brightside

39:33 Challenging Assumptions About Visual Impairment

46:15 Personal Growth Through Adversity

Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride; the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, a monthly micro-grant that has awarded $82.5k to 83 disability projects in 11 countries; and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World.

She serves on the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Working Group and was a Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Summit. At the age of 9, Tiffany became disabled as a result of a car accident that also took the life of her father.

She started her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and has also worked at Bloomberg and Sean Diddy Combs’ REVOLT Media & TV. Her TED Talk, How to Help Employees with Disabilities Thrive, has over one million views. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Guardian, USA Today, Marie Claire, and Forbes.

To learn more about Tiffany and her book, check out the links below,

Tiffany’s Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com/

The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: https://www.tiffanyyu.com/book

Tiffany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyayu/

The Awesome Foundation: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en

Diversability: https://mydiversability.com/

Keywords: disability inclusion, non-disabled allies, learning without shame, passing the mic, fitness industry, inclusive spaces, shared recreation, disability inclusion, fitness industry, language and etiquette, accommodations, ableism, microaggressions, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, Austin Foundation Disability Chapter

Takeaways

• Non-disabled allies play a crucial role in advocating for disability inclusion and should focus on amplifying disabled voices and supporting their initiatives.
• Learning about disability should be a shame-free process, allowing for mistakes and growth.
• In the fitness industry, creating inclusive spaces and providing options for people with disabilities to participate in their own way is essential.
• Shared recreation and coexistence between people with and without disabilities can help normalize disability and address bias and stigma. Trainers should ask individuals with disabilities about their specific accommodations needs and work with them to find suitable modifications.
• Ableism is a system of oppression that devalues individuals based on the way their body and mind works.
• Microaggressions in the disability space include erasing or diminishing someone's disability, chronic exclusion, and infantilization of disabled adults.
• Inclusion programs can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the experiences and perspectives of the individuals involved.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:18 Amplifying Disabled Voices

09:53 Creating Inclusive Fitness Spaces

17:47 Shared Recreation and Normalizing Disability

29:58 Creating Inclusive Fitness Spaces

35:59 Understanding Ableism

42:34 Microaggressions in the Disability Space

48:38 The Complexities of Inclusion Programs

53:02 The Austin Foundation Disability Chapter