Sarah Everhart Skeels, an expert in adaptive exercise and public health, shares her personal journey and professional insights in this conversation with host Brendan Aylward. She discusses her early interest in adaptive populations and the impact of disability on her identity while exploreing the Medical Model versus the Social Model of Disability. She also highlights the importance of the SCI-FI assessment protocol, the value of assistive technology, and the need for inclusive training environments and addresses the relationship between loneliness and health outcomes. They discusses the benefits of having people with and without disabilities training together, as it promotes education and breaks down barriers. The transition from being a patient to being a participant is explored, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond a medicalized approach to fitness. This episode provides holistic, valuable insights into creating a more accessible and diverse fitness environment.

Episode 29 Takeaways:

• Inclusive environments that bring together people with and without disabilities promote education and break down barriers.
• Personalized support and guidance are essential in coaching individuals with disabilities, as it allows for tailored training and ensures safety.
• The transition from patient to participant is crucial in promoting independence and a sense of belonging in fitness and recreation.
• Measuring the impact of training should go beyond the number of gyms or programs created and focus on attitude change and improved accessibility.
• Changing expectations and attitudes towards disability is a slow process that requires continuous education and exposure. Fitness programs and facilities should strive to include different disability populations, including those with hidden or invisible disabilities.
• Utilizing client ideas for marketing and promoting inclusive fitness can lead to innovative and effective strategies. Creating a more accessible and diverse fitness environment requires ongoing collaboration and leadership.

Episode 29 Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:18 - Early Interest in Adaptive Exercise

03:18 - Impact of Disability on Identity

05:22 - Applying Exercise Science to Adaptive Populations

06:14 - The Medical Model vs. the Social Model of Disability

09:35 - Barriers to Accessibility in Healthcare

13:45 - The Paradox of Physical Therapy

19:52 - The SCI-FI Assessment Protocol

23:48 - The Pursuit of Walking and the Value of Assistive Technology

26:31 - Transitioning to Adaptive Sports

32:31 - The Power of Peer Mentoring

38:09 - Navigating Resistance to Support

42:39 - The Role of Peer Health Coaches

43:08 - Addressing Loneliness and Health Outcomes

43:32 - Creating Inclusive Training Environments

43:33 - Inclusive Environments

45:11 - Coaching vs. Gym Environment

48:09 - Personal Trainers vs. Physical Therapists

50:40 - Transitioning from Patient to Person

53:39 - Measuring the Impact of Training

57:21 - Expanding Access to Fitness

01:01:16 - Belonging in the Gym

01:04:08 - Changing Expectations and Attitudes

01:07:07 - Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy

01:12:09 - Making Fitness and Recreation More Accessible

01:19:48 - Challenges of Inspiration Porn

01:23:29 - Moving Forward and Trusting the Process

01:24:35 - Inclusion of Different Disability Populations

01:25:45 - Continuing to Foster Inclusion

In this episode, Brendan interviews Kim Knackstedt, the first-ever director of disability policy for the Domestic Policy Council for the Biden-Harris administration. We discuss Kim's background in special education, her transition to government and policy work, and the impactful projects and initiatives she spearheaded during her time at the White House and in Congress. We explore the intersection of socioeconomic status and disability, the benefits of hiring a diverse workforce, and the challenges of transportation and accessibility. Kim shares her experiences in Government and offers insights into being an advocate and ally for people with disabilities. We touch on misconceptions about invisible illnesses, the challenges of digital accessibility, and the future of her consulting firm, Unlock Access. The conversation highlights the need for greater awareness and action to create a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.

To learn more about Kim's business: https://www.unlockaccess.org/

To learn more about the Kennedy Fellowship: https://jpkf.org/kennedy-fellows/

Chapters

00:00 Background and Education

05:30 Transition to Government and Policy Work

08:40 Kennedy Fellowship and Work in the White House

11:39 Impactful Projects and Initiatives

16:23 Disability Policy and DEIA

17:51 Socioeconomic Status and Disability

21:57 Hiring Practices and Accessibility Improvements

27:36 Transportation and Accessibility

34:52 Role in the White House and Interagency Policy Committee

40:37 Transition to the White House and Work

45:42 Misconceptions about Invisible Illnesses

52:37 The Future of Accessibility

54:17 Unlock Access Consulting

57:58 Making Gyms More Accessible

In this conversation, Dawn Oates discusses her work with the Play Brigade and her advocacy for inclusion and accessibility. She shares her experiences in promoting inclusion without exploitation and her advocacy work in education and housing, emphasizing the rights of individuals with disabilities to access quality education and safe living spaces. Dawn highlights the ripple effect of advocacy and the impact it can have on creating inclusive and accessible environments. She encourages listeners to think about how they can make a difference in their own communities and support organizations like the Play Brigade.

Chapters

0:00 - Background and Introduction

01:04 - Starting the Play Brigade

03:28 - Promoting Inclusion without Exploitation

07:10 - Challenges of Inclusion in the Fitness Industry

11:48 - Marketing Inclusion without Exploitation

18:12 - The Importance of Representation in Advocacy

25:07 - Accessibility in Business and Digital Spaces

36:31 - Equal Opportunity in Private Education

41:37 - Addressing Accessibility Issues in Housing

48:20 - Shifting Power and Advocacy

52:57 - Being an Ally and Advocate

53:23 - Creating Change in the Community

01:00:47 - Taking Action and Making a Difference

01:01:22 - Supporting the Play Brigade

Takeaways

• Promote inclusion without exploiting individuals with disabilities, ensuring their consent and involvement in advocacy efforts.
• Representation and storytelling are powerful tools for raising awareness and promoting understanding of disability issues.
• Businesses should prioritize accessibility to attract a wider customer base and create a sense of belonging for individuals with disabilities.
• Advocacy efforts should focus on addressing accessibility barriers in education and housing to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Advocacy involves identifying decision-makers and empowering individuals to tell their own stories.
• Being an ally and advocate does not require lived experience or a specific role; it is about noticing problems and taking active steps to solve them.
• Advocacy can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to take action and leading to systemic change.
• Promoting inclusive and accessible environments requires considering the needs of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life.

Nico Calabria joins Brendan Aylward for this week's episode of the AdaptX Podcast, where they discuss the projection of amputee soccer, Nico's involvement with the Bionic Project, and the nature of disability in the world of professional sport. Nico was born with congenital hemipelvectomy, a condition that manifests in the absence of a right leg and hip. Nico's disability provided him with the opportunity to scale his impact as an athlete and educator with the Bionic Project, which focuses on sharing disability education and advocacy with the youth. Nico is also the captain of the US Amputee Soccer Team, where he excels as a leader on the field. To learn more about Nico and the Bionic Project, visit https://www.bionicproject.org/our-team.

Episode 26 Chapters:

01:12 - Finding Community within the Disability

2:06 - Born vs. Acquired Disability

3:23 - Nico’s Upbringing and Its Influence on His Ambition

5:12 - Resenting Disability in Adolescence

7:31 - Looking at Different Mobility Devices

9:34 - The Bionic Project

14:06 - Gauging Project and Clinic Efficacy

19:00 - Requiring Universal Disability Education

25:10 - The Negative Repercussions of Disability Simulation

30:38 - The Complexities of Competing with Crutches

34:38 - The Progression of Amputee Soccer

37:31 - Nico’s Impact on the Sport and His Role Models

40:37 - Amputee Soccer Internationally

43:38 - MLS Clubs and Their Association with Amputee Soccer

45:37 - The Path to Sustained Profitability in Amputee Soccer

48:25 - Barriers to Inclusive and Adaptive Fitness

50:59 - The Inspiration Narrative

53:48 - The Bionic Project 5k

54:34 - The Expansion of the Bionic Project

Episode 26 Takeaways:

1. Visibility can empower adaptive individuals, challenge stereotypes, and inspire a broader representation of diverse abilities. Positive representation not only enhances the opportunities available to amputee athletes but also contributes to a more inclusive society that values the capabilities and achievements of individuals with disabilities.

2. Disability advocacy and education plays an essential role in the creation of greater opportunities in adaptive sports. Societal misconceptions to inadequate infrastructure make standards of inclusivity and accessibility more challenging, so it is important to encounter such misinformation and bias with proper education.

3. Many adaptive athletes will have to navigate challenges such as equipment limitations and varying degrees of physical ability when engaging in sport. But, by redefining the normative standards of athleticism that have been perpetuated in the past, it is clear that success in adaptive sports is not only attainable but scalable with the access to the right support systems.

This week, Brendan is joined by his own running coach of nearly four years, Steve Sinko. As an experienced run coach, AdaptX and ACE certified trainer, and seven-time Boston Marathon qualifier, Steve is well-versed in the world of endurance sports, and is particularly attuned to the barriers to inclusive participation in running. As a frequent duo team runner with Preston Buenaga, Steve has navigated many challenges involving the fostering of accessible and inclusive running environments. Listen along as Brendan and Steve discuss the intricacies of endurance training and Brendan’s journey to the 2024 Boston Marathon.

Episode 25 Chapters

00:50 - Steve’s First Exposure to the Disability Space

02:44 - Brendan and Steve’s Introduction

05:06 - The Evolution of Fusion Inclusion to 501(c)(3) status

07:24 - Steve’s Individual Running Career

09:56 - Individual Accomplishments versus Duo Accomplishments

13:30 - How Race Success Translates to Disability Representation

16:05 - Building Connections in the Adaptive Running World

17:48 - The Biomechanics of Running with a Racing Chair

21:10 - Brendan’s Journey to the Boston Marathon and Steve’s Guidance

25:41 - Training at the Elite Level: Mileage

28:45 - Finding a Healthy Training Balance

35:12 - Adapting to Training Challenges

37:30 - Brendan’s Training for Boston 2024

43:50 - Barriers to Inclusion within Running

Episode 25 Takeaways

1. Building connections is not only an essential part of success in the world of endurance sports, but it is also an impactful way to foster positive representation for adaptive athletes. The continued recognition of high-achieving athletes within the disability space slowly disproves the ableist narratives that have formerly dominated many endurance sports.
2. Accepting and pursuing a training program despite the innate challenges involved with endurance training allows for greater adaptability. Consistency within a training program is essential to the accumulation of both speed and endurance, despite the tendency to alter a program in an attempt to accommodate one’s temporary needs.
3. The importance of learning how to properly run when you are tired cannot be understated. Training, anticipating, and fighting fatigue simulates the sensations

For our twenty-fourth episode, Brendan is joined by Mackenzie Edinger, a graduate from Mackenzie from UW-Whitewater’s Early Childhood and Special Education program and a rising entrepreneur within the disability space. Her continued involvement within the disability community and passion for inclusion led her to establish the Inclusion Coffee Company, an establishment that is centered around the employment of individuals with disabilities. Inclusion Coffee Company’s commitment to the fostering of a diverse workplace is a model for the necessity of inclusive employment, as it not only benefits the employees themselves, but also can promote business profitability and growth. Drawing on her restaurant background and extensive experience, including volunteering with Best Buddies, job coaching, and special education studies, Mackenzie aims to create a welcoming space where individuals with special needs feel equally valued and appreciated. To learn more about Mackenzie and Inclusion Coffee Company’s mission, visit their website here.

Episode 24 Chapters:

00:47 - Becoming an Entrepreneur in the Inclusion Space

02:09 - Mackenzie’s Introduction to the Disability Community

02:33 - Continuing and Sustaining Relationships through Inclusion Coffee Company

03:35 - Learning from Other Inclusive Businesses

04:24 - Why Coffee?

05:32 - Adapting to the Customer Service and Business Industry

06:03 - The Advantages to Navigating the Business Industry

07:45 - Hiring Individuals with Disabilities

08:45 - The Unique Skill Sets of Diverse Employees

10:17 - Mackenzie’s Business Model

11:00 - Navigating Social Security Policy

13:16 - Inclusion Coffee Company’s Projection and Expansion

14:25 - The Challenges of Franchising

15:45 - What Can Businesses Do to Be More Inclusive?

17:07 - Similar Employment Models

Key Takeaways:

1. Learning on the spot can prove to be an invaluable experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. This process demands heightened attention to detail, especially when navigating industries that may not be familiar to you. While it is often daunting to traverse unfamiliar business practices, the tangible experience gained from doing so creates multifaceted and tenacious companies.
2. Inclusive employment practices do not only provide more opportunities for independence to individuals with disabilities, but they can also greatly benefit business models that are centered around inclusion and accessibility. Leveraging a diverse workforce in order to market one’s business to a larger, more expansive audience is an underrated facet of inclusion that should not be overlooked.

Becca Pizzi joins Brendan Aylward for an engaging discussion about her personal journey in endurance sports, which led her to becoming one of very few to win the World Marathon Challenge. Becca is the pinnacle of an endurance athlete, as she has completed over ninety marathons and has successfully ran a marathon on every continent, including Antartica. Not only is Becca an outstanding athlete, but her mission is also philanthropically-focused, as she has established the Becca Pizzi Foundation which benefits high school and college athletes with scholarships and financial support. Listen along as Becca explores her experiences in elite running, her personal motivators, and her perspectives on inclusivity in endurance sports. To learn more about Becca and to get involved with her foundation, visit her website linked here.

Episode 23 Chapters:

01:12 - Becca’s Introduction to Running

03:04 - What’s Next? The 2023 Antarctic Marathon

05:26 - Becca’s Introduction to the World Marathon Challenge

06:51 - Striving for More

08:20 - Racing Your Plan and Leaving Your Comfort Zone

11:32 - Coping with High Pressure in the Endurance Sports World

15:05 - Becca’s Proudest Achievements

17:19 - Creating a Career from a “Hobby”

19:15 - How to Make the Most Out of the Boston Marathon

20:56 - Training Zdeno Chára

23:16 - How Can Endurance Races Be More Accessible?

26:18 - Experiences with Accessibility in Road Races

30:04 - Upcoming Races

32:09- How Can Fitness Centers Be More Inclusive and Accessible?

Key Takeaways

1. Outreach is an essential part of motivating employees and fitness centers to engage within a gym community or endurance program. By learning and catering to the needs of their target audiences, businesses create more opportunities to capitalize on the individualization of programming and group training.
2. There is a level of pressure involved in endurance sports and racing that requires athletes to balance intrinsic drive with external pressures, such as the desire to live up to the expectations of others. For many, these confounding pressures can weigh heavily on race day, and it is important to release the burden of such expectations in order to be able to perform at the highest level.
3. In creating inclusive road races, race directors and organizers must ensure that they consider the voices of affected populations while planning the event, preparing the course, etc. If the needs of individuals with disabilities are not understood and addressed directly by the event, then a population of participants is actively neglected, further accentuating barriers to participation in endurance sports for many.

This week, Brendan sits down with Jake Hytken, a trailblazer in the Product and Marketing Equity domain. With a rich career history, Jake has been at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions in diversity, equity, and inclusion for esteemed companies. As a passionate advocate within the disability community, Jake sheds light on best practices for fostering inclusivity in strategy and design. Tune in as he shares insights that resonate across industries and explores the transformative power of equitable marketing practices.

Episode 22 Chapters:

00:58 - Jake’s Work in Equitable Marketing

02:19 - Media, Program, and Product Representation

03:26 - Inclusion is Profitable

08:47 - Socioeconomic Status and Disability

10:54 - The Charity Model of Disability

14:05 - Inclusion vs. Equity

17:47 - Social Behavior in DEI

18:35 - Experiences in Childhood and Adolescence

24:58 - Navigating Towards Inclusive Content Creation

28:28 - Jake’s Favorite Project

32:16 - Accessibility in Endurance Sports

34:15 - Using Lived Experiences to Ask the Right Questions

37:32 - Redefining and Expanding on Normative Expectations

40:20 - What Can the Fitness Industry Do To Become More Accessible?

Episode 22 Takeaways:

1. Inclusion and accessibility should start directly at the beginning of the design process. They are not practices that can be applied retroactively, they have to be at the forefront of strategy and design thinking.
2. The significance of social behavior in relation to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is just as crucial as the actual implementation of inclusive practices. Mere claims of inclusivity through performative actions are insufficient for a company. True commitment to fostering a culture of equity and authentic inclusion demands a comprehensive dedication across every facet of the company and its brand.
3. Incorporating inclusivity into the provision of services and products is not merely an ethical consideration; it is a strategic imperative that transcends traditional business norms. By embracing inclusivity, businesses not only adhere to ethical principles but also unlock opportunities to engage with a broader and more diverse audience. This expansion of the consumer base not only reflects a commitment to social responsibility but also translates into tangible benefits for businesses, bolstering their profitability and long-term success.

This week, Brendan Aylward travelled to New Hampshire for a live session with Tim Alexander, a disability advocate, keynote speaker, and athlete who recently received an EMMY award for his work on “Ever Faithful--The Resurrection of UAB Football”. Since becoming paralyzed in 2006, Tim has devoted his career, lifestyle, and mindset to the growth of himself and the disability community through community engagement and advocacy. Listen along as Tim and Brendan discuss Tim's involvement with the YMCA, the importance of a growth mindset, and perspective after injury.

Episode 21 Chapters:

00:46 - The YMCA’s Role in Tim’s Recovery

7:50 - Tim’s Role Models

9:04 - Finding Bright Spots in the Gym

9:29 - Accepting New Opportunities as an Adaptive Athlete: Wheelchair Basketball at the University of Alabama

13:38 - The Lakeshore Foundation

14:07 - Differing Lived Experiences: Acquired Disability vs. Lifelong Disability

18:07 - Disability Etiquette and Maintaining Respectful Relationships

23:11 - Tim’s EMMY

29:19 - “My Opposition is My Inspiration”

33:07 - Making Fitness Accessible and Inclusive

Key Takeaways:

1. “Going back to the basics” is an essential part of recovery for many: reassessing your resources and the way you approach day-to-day life allows for the gradual adjustment to a new way of interacting with your environment.
2. Demystifying disability is a key component in fostering inclusive fitness environments. By integrating the disability population into normative settings, gym owners are able to incrementally create and implement accessible systems in their facility.
3. “My opposition is my inspiration”: not only did disability offer Tim a new perspective and a new way of living, but it also instilled a sense of mental toughness into him. Each morning, he has to mentally prepare himself for the unexpected challenges that he may inherently face as a person with a disability within an inaccessible world. He prepares to be constantly diligent in order to traverse social and physical environments that do not consider the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.

For our 20th episode, Brendan Aylward is joined by Dane Stair, an adaptive exercise specialist at NeuAbility. Dane and Brendan shared their experiences working in the adaptive fitness space, and discussed how the social model of disability is an essential facet of the sustainment of accessibility in a fitness environment.

For more on Dane Stair and NeuAbility, visit their website and Instagram page.

Episode 20 Timestamps:

00:39 - Dane’s Introduction to Adaptive Exercise

02:05 - Finding NeuAbility

02:34 - Membership Base and Training Structure

05:46 - The Line Between Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

**09:18 - Creating a Positive Gym Environment

10:42 - Using Representation to Incentivize Fitness Engagement

13:35 - Small Group Models for Adaptive Training

14:57 - NeuAbility’s Facility and Equipment Barriers

19:16 - Recommended Equipment to Increase Gym Access

20:50 - The Development of NeuAbility Training Strategies

24:50 - Building a Trainable Menu

27:22 - Outcome of Training Clients Post-SCI

29:51 - The Impact of Compassionate Training

31:34 - Economic and Insurance Barriers During Recovery

34:08 - Referral Networks

36:36 - Monitoring Progress within Specific Populations

39:57 - Compensation Patterns in Adaptive Fitness

41:56 - Breaking Down Barriers for Trainers and Staff

44:18 - Learn More About and Support NeuAbility

Key Takeaways:

1. Athletic training is often an effective and more sustainable extension of physical therapy, particularly for clients with disabilities, as the continuation of PT practices through strength and conditioning exercises allows clients to rediscover their identity within a fitness environment. Transitioning from PT to an adaptive fitness setting helps to redefine exercise as an elective practice that promotes enjoyment and health over normative standards of functioning.
2. While there is much discussion over whether or not adaptive equipment is becoming inaccessible from a socioeconomic standpoint, there are small solutions that fitness facilities can utilize to increase physical accessibility. Active Hands are a strongly recommended product to have available in gyms, as these portable gripping aids can greatly increase the accessibility of a variety of different machines and equipment. Additionally, a gym’s investment in wheelchair-adapted cardiovascular equipment, like a Ski Erg with an adapted base, will alleviate some of the challenges of creating an accessible environment.
3. Promoting holistic training for staff and trainers is essential to creating a safe, adaptive environment for clients with disabilities. Knowledge of disability literature and training concepts alone is not enough- hands-on, practical experience is invaluable. Exposing trainers to clients with varying abilities allows them to learn how to train safely and effectively within the context of a training environment.