Teen With Cerebral Palsy Wins $1 Million 'Ninja Warrior' Prize

 As a kid with cerebral palsy, Vance Walker was told that he might not ever walk without some form of assistance. Now, the 18-year-old is the best ninja warrior in the nation. Read More >

Adidas Pushing For Greater Inclusion Of Athletes With Disabilities

 Adidas is calling on marathons to set aside bib number 321 — a figure associated with Down syndrome — for neurodivergent runners and one of the country's biggest races is already on board. Read More >

Gym Provides Sensory-Safe Play For Kids On The Spectrum

 With franchises at nearly 100 sites in 25 states and eight countries, one company is offering up therapeutic play spaces for kids with autism and other special needs in a "judgment-free zone." Read More >

Man With Down Syndrome Reaches Historic First By Completing Ironman

 A 21-year-old with Down syndrome is the first with the chromosomal disorder to complete an entire Ironman triathlon, which entails swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles. Read More >

Video Series Aims To Help Those With Disabilities Stay Fit At Home

In this time of social distancing, life for many people with developmental disabilities has become largely sedentary, but Special Olympics — and a pro wrestler — are working to change that. Read More >

Bike-Share Programs Adding Adaptive Offerings

With the short-term rental of bikes, scooters and more exploding in cities across the country, some programs are starting to include people with disabilities. Read More >

Inclusive Water Park Named To 'World's Greatest Places' List

Time Magazine says that a first-of-its-kind water park designed to be fully accessible to people with special needs is among the top 100 places in the world for 2018. Read More >

Resources forInclusion in Physical Activity & Youth with Disability

This guide contains links to a multitude of resources regarding children with disabilities and their inclusion in physical activities.  Made by the National Center on Health, Physical Activity & Disability.

Link: https://www.nchpad.org/fppics/NCHPAD

Smithsonian Puts Spotlight On Special Olympics

With a new exhibit, the Smithsonian Institution is highlighting how athletics have helped to dramatically change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities over the last 50 years. Read More >

New Gym Created To Help People With Special Needs Stay Fit

Some gyms have programs for people with disabilities, but at one new fitness center, the equipment, exercises and instruction are all specifically designed to meet this population's needs. Read More >

Teen With Down Syndrome Finds Brotherhood In Former MMA Fighter

Often the underdog during his run as a mixed martial arts fighter, a personal trainer is now helping a teenager with Down syndrome learn what he's capable of. Read More;

7 Low-Cost Ways to Create Developmentally Valuable Play

We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s priceless.” When we play with our children, it’s priceless. When we watch them move with joy, it’s priceless. When we laugh with them, it’s priceless. While play, joy, and laughter are priceless, parents know that paying for toys can be costly. But enriching, joyful, and inclusive play doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Even if you don’t have access to a Lekotek toy lending library, you can create a world of developmental play with a little ingenuity, imagination, and some common household items. As experts in inclusive and accessible play, Lekotek knows the importance of play in a…  Read in browser »

10 Fun Outdoor Toys That Strengthen Motor Planning, Executive Function, Social Skills, and More

Spring is here, and as the weather gets nicer, kids who’ve been cooped up inside can finally get out of the house. Make the most of that playtime with outdoor toys that are not only fun but also reinforce skills your child may be working on in occupational or physical therapy. 1. Swurfer Swing For kids who are constantly seeking movement, the Swurfer swing is a perfect choice. It’s not only great for providing much-needed sensory input, but it also works on improving motor planning, coordination, and organizational skills. As a bonus, it helps in increasing trunk strength and control. While not one…   Read in browser »

Born With Down Syndrome, Shy Teen Competes In Bodybuilding

Life hasn't been easy for Jon Atkins. At 19, he can read 30 or so words and fine motor skills remain frustrating. But he found something he's pretty good at: bodybuilding. Read More ;

Q&A on Autism Fitness Programs and Free Videos of Fitness Teaching Strategies

Here's a great Q and A with two BCBAs who also happen to have lots of fitness experience (one is a certified personal fitness trainer and marathon runner; one is a black belt in martial arts and a runner). Read more here: http://positivelyautism.weebly.com/blog/qa-on-autism-fitness-programs-and-free-videos-of-fitness-teaching-strategies

8 Great Games to Get Children with Special Needs Active & Moving

We love any game that will “active8” and motivate kids to get up and get movin’! Toys are great for many reasons, but namely because they are: fun! The fun factor will get kids up and about without them realizing that it’s exercise. To them, these toys and games will just be another entertaining activity. Getting kids active while they are young can ensure a healthy childhood, which can lead to a fit and healthy adulthood.  http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2016/02/08/8-great-games-to-get-children-with-special-needs-active-moving/?utm_source=Friendship+Circle+Blog&utm_campaign=1152b3f7fa-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ec270b4ae-1152b3f7fa-199142745

Club Helping People with Disabilities be More Physically Active

Though adults with disabilities are more likely than others to be obese, exercise programs for this population are limited. Now, a fast-growing club is looking to change that. 

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/12/01/club-physically-active/21613/

Thanks to a plea from a teen with cerebral palsy seeking shoes he could put on his feet independently, Nike is introducing sneakers designed specifically for people with disabilities.  http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/07/15/nike-unveils-shoes/20440/

Schools reconsider recess polices

Research shows physical activity and unstructured play are essential to cognitive growth. These findings have sparked changes in school policies in some states regarding withholding recess as a means of discipline. For example, Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the practice. Education Week (tiered subscription model) (4/15) http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/04/15/withholding-recess-as-discipline-declining.html

Runner With Autism Vies For Magazine Cover

With thousands of votes in his favor, a 24-year-old who is nonverbal and has autism could land on the cover of a national magazine.  http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/07/29/runner-vies-magazine/19556/