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#100 - I Was Told I Might Never Walk Again. Now I'm Running the Boston Marathon
Feb 23, 2026
38m 18s
#099 - Making Communication Accessible and Empowering for All: The Story of Verbali with Shay Cohen
Oct 29, 2025
59m 15s
#098 - Bridging Communication Gaps: The Hi There Solutions Story with Chase and John Prieve
Oct 7, 2025
43m 40s
#097 - Strategies to Support the Sensory Needs of Consumers with Lacey Artemis
Sep 15, 2025
40m 15s
#096 - Paralympic Aspirations, Push-Rim Racing, and Para Powerlifting With Mary MacDonald
Aug 18, 2025
17m 28s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/23/26 |  #100 - I Was Told I Might Never Walk Again. Now I'm Running the Boston Marathon✨ | resiliencerehabilitation+4 | Caylie McMahon | University of Michigan | EnglandStanford | Caylie McMahonspinal tumor+5 | — | 38m 18s | |
| 10/29/25 |  #099 - Making Communication Accessible and Empowering for All: The Story of Verbali with Shay Cohen✨ | AAC technologycommunication challenges+4 | Shay Cohen | Verbali | — | AACcommunication+5 | — | 59m 15s | |
| 10/7/25 |  #098 - Bridging Communication Gaps: The Hi There Solutions Story with Chase and John Prieve✨ | communication solutionsdeaf community+3 | Chase PrieveJohn Prieve | Hi ThereJust Talk+2 | — | communicationdeaf+5 | — | 43m 40s | |
| 9/15/25 |  #097 - Strategies to Support the Sensory Needs of Consumers with Lacey Artemis✨ | neurodiversityaccessibility+4 | Lacey Artemis | AdaptX | — | neurodiversityautism+6 | — | 40m 15s | |
| 8/18/25 |  #096 - Paralympic Aspirations, Push-Rim Racing, and Para Powerlifting With Mary MacDonald✨ | adaptive sportspowerlifting+4 | Mary MacDonald | — | Taunton, Massachusetts | adaptive sportsinclusion+6 | — | 17m 28s | |
| 8/11/25 |  #095 - Challenging People with Disabilities to Discover Their Purpose, Talents, and Strengths With Dan Minnich, Waypoint Adventure✨ | disability advocacyoutdoor recreation+5 | Dan Minnich | Waypoint AdventureUnpaved Trails for All | — | Waypoint Adventuredisability advocacy+6 | — | 44m 51s | |
| 8/4/25 |  #094 - The Value Proposition of Disability Inclusion with Robert Ludke✨ | disability inclusionbusiness strategy+4 | Bob Ludke | Value InclusionHarkin Institute+3 | — | disability inclusionbusiness growth+4 | — | 1h 08m 43s | |
| 7/25/25 |  #093 - Innovations in Prosthetic Technology with Vessl CEO, Sydney Robinson✨ | prosthetic technologybiomedical engineering+4 | Sydney Robinson | Kinn socketVessl | — | prostheticsamputees+5 | — | 35m 50s | |
| 6/16/25 |  #092 - From Exclusion to Empowerment, Musema Faruk’s Vision for Inclusion in Uganda✨ | disability inclusionsports+3 | Faruk Musema | Ability Sports Africa | Uganda | disability inclusionsports+6 | — | 26m 47s | |
| 6/9/25 |  #o91 - Bringing Adaptive Fitness to the Masses with Tony Jacobsen | In this conversation, Brendan Aylward and Tony Jacobsen discuss the evolution of adaptive fitness, focusing on Tony's personal journey with osteogenesis imperfecta and his initiatives to promote inclusivity in fitness. They explore the importance of overcoming self-limiting beliefs, the launch of the Stronger Bones Coaching Group, and the impact of strength training on bone health. Additionally, they highlight Tony's collaboration with Planet Fitness to create adaptive workouts and the challenges of inclusivity in commercial gyms. The discussion concludes with Tony's goals for expanding access to adaptive fitness and the importance of open conversations between trainers and clients.TakeawaysTony Jacobsen has a rare bone condition called osteogenesis imperfecta.Self-limiting beliefs are a significant barrier for individuals with disabilities.The Stronger Bones Coaching Group aims to provide personalized training for those with bone health issues.Strength training can significantly improve bone density, even for those with OI.Tony has increased his bone density by 70% over the last 10 years through strength training and nutrition.Adaptive fitness is gaining recognition on larger platforms like Planet Fitness.Inclusivity in commercial gyms requires thoughtful design and layout considerations.Creating a comfortable space for open conversations is crucial for effective training.Fitness professionals should be open to learning about their clients' unique needs.The goal is to make adaptive fitness a standard expectation in all gyms.Keywordsadaptive fitness, disability, strength training, bone health, coaching, inclusivity, personal journey, Planet Fitness, Stronger Bones, self-limiting beliefs | 33m 26s | ||||||
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| 5/28/25 |  #090 - Growing the Unified 5k Series with Nate Nester, Mechanicsburg Race Director | In this conversation, Brendan Aylward and Nate Nester discuss the importance of adaptive fitness and the role of the Unified 5K in promoting inclusivity within the community. They explore Nate's journey into adaptive fitness, the challenges faced in creating accessible environments, and the collaborative efforts of Messiah University in supporting individuals with disabilities. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, the mission of the Unified 5K, and future plans for improving accessibility and inclusivity in fitness.TakeawaysThe weather can impact participation in running events.Adaptive fitness is essential for inclusivity in sports.Community engagement is crucial for fitness programs.Accessibility and ADA compliance are often misunderstood.Collaboration among organizations enhances adaptive fitness initiatives.Creating a welcoming environment is key to inclusivity.Mistakes are part of the journey towards inclusivity.The Unified 5K aims to promote fitness for all.Nate's experience highlights the importance of education in adaptive fitness.Future events should focus on community involvement and accessibility.KeywordsUnified 5K, adaptive fitness, community engagement, Messiah University, inclusivity, accessibility, running events, fitness for all, disability awareness, collaboration | 31m 20s | ||||||
| 5/19/25 |  #089 - How RightHear is Revolutionizing Wayfinding with Idan Meir | In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Brendan speaks with Idan Meir, a mission-driven entrepreneur and the Co-founder & CEO of RightHear, an award-winning accessibility startup empowering people with orientation challenges to navigate public spaces independently. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Idan has been featured in Forbes, FastCompany, and HackerNews, and is a member of the exclusive CEO network, MindShare. He previously led Hubanana, a thriving startup hub, and co-founded Zikit. A veteran of an elite IDF unit and holder of an M.A. in Psychology and Management, Idan brings a rare blend of vision, leadership, and passion for impact - always fueled by strong espresso and a good plate of hummus.To learn more about Idan and RightHear, check out the following links,RightHear’s Website: https://www.right-hear.com/RightHear’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/righthear/Idan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idanmeir/Idan’s Email: idan@right-hear.comTakeaways: RightHere was founded to address orientation challenges faced by individuals with low vision.Keeping the app free is a core principle to ensure accessibility for all.Awareness of orientation challenges is a significant barrier to adoption.The technology can benefit not only the blind community but anyone facing orientation difficulties.AI integration is expected to enhance the user experience and operational efficiency.User feedback has been crucial in shaping the product and its features.The future includes expanding partnerships and addressing language barriers in diverse settings. | 39m 59s | ||||||
| 4/28/25 |  #088 - Making Trail Running Accessible with Zachary Friedley | 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.TakeawaysZach 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.Keywordsadaptive sports, disability inclusion, trail running, prosthetics, Born to Adapt, Mendocino Movement Project, community engagement, visibility, mentorship, running events | 35m 06s | ||||||
| 4/9/25 |  #087 - The Development of a Novel Assessment Tool for CVI with Dr. Nicola McDowell | 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.TakeawaysCerebral 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.KeywordsCerebral Visual Impairment, CVI, visual impairment, accessibility, education, rehabilitation, Austin Assessment, advocacy, neuroplasticity, empowerment | 38m 17s | ||||||
| 3/28/25 |  #086 - Turning Obstacles into New Opportunities with Winston Clements | 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.TakeawaysPublic 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.Keywordsdisability, 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 | 45m 22s | ||||||
| 3/21/25 |  #085 - Running into the Record Books with Caleb Prewitt | 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.TakeawaysCaleb 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.KeywordsCaleb Pruitt, Special Olympics, triathlon, world records, inclusivity, disabilities, running, motivation, training, community support | 24m 57s | ||||||
| 3/14/25 |  #084 - Empowering Education through AI with Adele Smolansky | 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/TakeawaysAI 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.KeywordsAI Learners, accessibility, education technology, disabilities, engagement, customization, social skills, digital accessibility, learning outcomes, inclusive fitness | 38m 23s | ||||||
| 3/7/25 |  #083 - Equitable Education and Employment Opportunities for the Disability Community with Danny Combs | 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.TakeawaysDanny'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.Keywordsinclusion, disability advocacy, neurodiversity, TACT, employment, strengths-based approach, trades, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, fitness accessibility, nonprofit sustainability | 39m 17s | ||||||
| 2/24/25 |  #082 - A Vision for Equal Opportunity in Employment with Tanner Gers | 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/TakeawaysThe 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.Keywordsaccessibility, disabilities, inclusion, adaptive sports, digital accessibility, employment, training, entrepreneurship, visual impairment, fitness | 53m 31s | ||||||
| 2/20/25 |  #081 - Acceptance, Adversity, and the Art of Changing Course with Chris Ruden | 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/ TakeawaysEveryone 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.Keywordsdisability, motivation, fitness, powerlifting, bodybuilding, change management, representation, mental health, personal growth, inclusion, fitness, inclusion, accessibility, personal growth, motivation, speaking, coaching, disability, empowerment, business | 50m 03s | ||||||
| 2/11/25 |  #080 - Systems and Strategies to Support Clients of all Abilities with Karen Hurley | 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.TakeawaysKaren 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.Keywordsaccessible fitness, adaptive sports, physical therapy, inclusion, autism, behavior management, community support, fitness for disabilities, neurodiversity, entrepreneurshipChapters00:00 Introduction to Accessible Fitness06:03 Understanding the Role of Physical Therapy vs. Adaptive Fitness14:04 Motivating and Managing Behavior in Adaptive Fitness19:50 The Importance of Collaboration with Support Teams26:07 Evolving Perspectives on Inclusion | 44m 33s | ||||||
| 2/6/25 |  #079 - "Be the Example" - Fitness and Family Post-Spinal Cord Injury with Robert Costa | 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.TakeawaysRobert'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.Keywordsadaptive 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 | 42m 18s | ||||||
| 1/27/25 |  #078 - Teaching Kids to Dream Big and Run Far with Anna McKeown | 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_appInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/dreamfarhsm/?hl=en TakeawaysDreamfar 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 sportsChapters00:00 Introduction to Dreamfar and Its Mission02:52 The Impact of Mentorship and Running06:09 Curriculum and Inclusivity in Training08:56 Setting Goals and Achieving Milestones12:02 Community Support and Fundraising18:13 Flexibility and Accessibility in Participation21:14 Unique Experiences and Success Stories23:55 Barriers to Participation in Endurance Sports27:08 Future Goals and Expansion Plans29:58 How to Get Involved with Dreamfar | 39m 59s | ||||||
| 1/20/25 |  #077 - Community Integration for Clients Post-Stroke with Swampna Balakrishnan | 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/mainlabWearable Lab Study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSqUN9dsSQSwapna’s Email: swapna.balakrishnan@uvm.edu'TakeawaysThe 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 therapyChapters00:00 Introduction to Accessible Healthcare06:51 Community-Based Recovery Post-Stroke13:41 The Importance of Ongoing Support20:22 Data Collection and Community Mobility27:12 Excitement for Research and Proactive C | 32m 53s | ||||||
| 12/23/24 |  #076- Making Climbing Accessible at the Adaptive Climbers Festival with Kristina Ericson | 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/TakeawaysDisability 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 sportsChapters00:00 Introduction to Accessibility Advocacy08:36 Global Perspectives on Accessibility14:05 Challenges in Outdoor Accessibility21:01 Mentorship in Adaptive Climbing27:35 Hosting Inclusive Events31:16 Making Fitness More Inclusive35:42 Sponsorship and Partnerships in ACF | 39m 57s | ||||||
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