International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity

Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunity at the Center for Research and Innovation in Equity, Inclusive Physical Education and Paralympic Sport – Brazil The Center for Research and Innovation in Equity, Inclusive Physical Education and Paralympic Sport (CPIE²EP), based at the School of Physical Education of Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, has announced an open call for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the research line Equity and Inclusive Physical Education. The fellowship is part of a research initiative that recognizes physical activity and sport as fundamental rights for persons with disabilities.

Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunity at the Center for Research and Innovation in Equity, Inclusive Physical Education and Paralympic Sport – Brazil

The Center for Research and Innovation in Equity, Inclusive Physical Education and Paralympic Sport (CPIE²EP), based at the School of Physical…

NCPEID 2026 Annual Conference to Be Held Virtually, July 9–11 The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) will host its 2026 Annual Conference virtually from July 9–11, 2026. The event marks 50 years of leadership, advocacy, and impact in adapted physical education and adapted physical activity. The conference will provide opportunities for scholars, students, and practitioners to present original research, applied projects, and innovative practices. Presentation formats include Poster Presentations, Free Communications, Round Table Discussions, the Emerging Scholars Symposium, and a new Practitioner Program Showcase.

NCPEID 2026 Annual Conference to Be Held Virtually, July 9–11

The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) will host its 2026 Annual Conference virtually from July 9–11, 2026. The event marks 50 years of leadership, advocacy, and impact in adapted…

VISTA 2025 to Be Held Online with Free Global Access VISTA 2025, the International Paralympic Committee’s scientific conference, will be delivered in an online format to support broad international participation. Although the event was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, organizers have confirmed that the conference will proceed virtually in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. The online structure will include six thematic sessions, each lasting two hours and led by internationally recognized experts.

VISTA 2025 to Be Held Online with Free Global Access

VISTA 2025, the International Paralympic Committee’s scientific conference, will be delivered in an online format to support broad international participation. Although the event was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, organizers have…

HK$4.28 Million Research Impact Fund Awarded for Adapted Physical Activity Project The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) has announced that Dr. Leung Ka-man, Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education, has been awarded HK$4.28 million under the Research Grants Council’s Research Impact Fund (RIF) 2025/26. Out of 195 proposals submitted, only 13 projects were funded, reflecting a 6.67% success rate. Dr. Leung’s project, titled “Revolutionizing Adapted Physical Activity for Individuals with Physical Disabilities: Examining the Health Impact of and Promoting Sitting Light Volleyball in the Greater Bay Area,” will implement a 16-week Sitting Light Volleyball (SLVB) intervention for adults with physical disabilities in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

HK$4.28 Million Research Impact Fund Awarded for Adapted Physical Activity Project

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) has announced that Dr. Leung Ka-man, Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education, has been awarded HK$4.28 million under the Research Grants…

Worldwide Adapted Physical Activity Events Announced for 2026–2027 A series of major international and regional events in Adapted Physical Activity (APA) will take place across the globe in 2026 and 2027, offering important opportunities for research dissemination, professional development, and international collaboration. In Asia, the ASAPE 2026 International Symposium will be held from 15 to 17 July 2026 at the Shanghai University of Sport, China, bringing together researchers, educators, practitioners, and students in adapted physical education and physical activity.

Worldwide Adapted Physical Activity Events Announced for 2026–2027

A series of major international and regional events in Adapted Physical Activity (APA) will take place across the globe in 2026 and 2027, offering important opportunities for research dissemination, professional development, and…

New Book Released: Principles and Methods of Adapted Physical Education (13th Edition) Principles and Methods of Adapted Physical Education: An Evidence-Based Pedagogical Approach has been released in its 13th edition, continuing its long-standing role as a core reference for teaching and learning in adapted physical education. Published by Human Kinetics in late 2025, the book is available in paperback and digital formats. Authored by Kristi Roth, Melissa Bittner, Elizabeth Foster, Jean Pyfer, and Laurie Zittel, this edition provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for undergraduate and graduate students preparing to work with learners with disabilities in physical education settings.

New Book Released: Principles and Methods of Adapted Physical Education (13th Edition)

Principles and Methods of Adapted Physical Education: An Evidence-Based Pedagogical Approach has been released in its 13th edition, continuing its long-standing role as a core reference for teaching and learning…

XIV Brazilian Congress of Adapted Motor Activity and X Seminar on Adapted Motor Activities Announced

The Brazilian Association of Adapted Motor Activity (SoBAMA) has announced the XIV Brazilian Congress of Adapted Motor Activity (CBAMA), to be held alongside the X Seminar on Adapted Motor…

New Book Published: Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Methods for Researching Disability in Physical Education The Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Methods for Researching Disability in Physical Education has been published as a comprehensive reference for scholars and practitioners working at the intersection of disability and physical education. Edited by Anthony J. Maher, Justin A. Haegele, and Janine Coates, the first edition was released in January 2026 by Routledge. This volume is the first to systematically introduce qualitative research methods for studying disability in physical education.

New Book Published: Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Methods for Researching Disability in Physical Education

The Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Methods for Researching Disability in Physical Education has been published as a comprehensive reference for scholars and practitioners working at…

Position Opening: Independent Professional for the Development of the Paralympic Pathway in Andalusia An open call has been launched to recruit an independent professional to lead the development of the Paralympic Pathway (Relevo Paralímpico) in Andalusia. The program is promoted by the Spanish Paralympic Committee in Andalusia, in coordination with the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Sport and in collaboration with regional multi-sport and single-sport federations. The Paralympic Pathway program aims to identify and engage young people with disabilities and support their introduction to sport, with the long-term objective of developing future elite Paralympic athletes.

Position Opening: Independent Professional for the Development of the Paralympic Pathway in Andalusia

An open call has been launched to recruit an independent professional to lead the development of the Paralympic Pathway (Relevo Paralímpico) in Andalusia. The program is promoted by the Spanish…

New Webinar Series Launched on Inclusive Research Partnerships A new international webinar series focused on inclusive research partnerships will launch on Friday, 27 February 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The series brings together researchers, practitioners, and program leaders to explore collaborative approaches to research in sport, health and fitness, and school-based physical activity. The launch webinar, titled “From Partnership to Practice: Building Collaborative Research with Special Olympics Programs,”

New Webinar Series Launched on Inclusive Research Partnerships

A new international webinar series focused on inclusive research partnerships will launch on Friday, 27 February 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The series brings together researchers, practitioners, and program leaders to explore collaborative…

IFAPA Newsletter 2025

The 2025 IFAPA Newsletter provides an overview of key activities, partnerships, and developments in adapted physical activity (APA) over the past year. It highlights international collaboration, research dissemination, and regional initiatives supporting inclusive physical…

Call for Papers Announced: Special Issue of the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education The Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (JTPE) has announced a call for papers for a forthcoming special issue titled “Perspectives on Physical Education with Students with Disabilities from Latin American Countries.” This special issue will be edited by Dr. Oscar Núñez Enríquez (Illinois State University, USA) and Dr. Fabián Arroyo-Rojas (Hofstra University, USA). The special issue aims to highlight and strengthen scholarly work focused on physical education and related interventions for school-aged students with disabilities within Latin American contexts.

Call for Papers Announced: Special Issue of the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education

The Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (JTPE) has announced a call for papers for a forthcoming special issue titled “Perspectives on Physical Education with Students with Disabilities from Latin…

Free Online Webinar Announced: Barriers to Physical Activity for Children with Cerebral Palsy Liverpool John Moores University will host a free online webinar on February 18, from 11:00 to 12:00 (GMT-3), as part of the 2025–26 seminar series launched by the LJMU Disability Sport and Physical Activity (DisSPA) Network. The webinar will be delivered in an online format and is open to all interested participants. The seminar, titled “Barriers to Physical Activity for Children with Cerebral Palsy and the Role of Living-Labs,”

Free Online Webinar Announced: Barriers to Physical Activity for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Liverpool John Moores University will host a free online webinar on February 18, from 11:00 to 12:00 (GMT-3), as part of the 2025–26 seminar series launched by the LJMU Disability Sport and Physical…

New Issue of Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly Published (Volume 43, Issue 1) The January 2026 issue of Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly (Volume 43, Issue 1) is now available, presenting a diverse collection of scholarly work addressing current research, practice, and policy issues in adapted physical activity, disability sport, and inclusion. This issue opens with a Viewpoint article examining the classification system in Para Judo, focusing on recent transitions, performance-related outcomes, and future challenges for the sport.

New Issue of Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly Published (Volume 43, Issue 1)

The January 2026 issue of Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly (Volume 43, Issue 1) is now available, presenting a diverse collection of scholarly work addressing current research, practice, and policy issues in adapted…

Call for Proposals: Development of MATP Healthy Athletes Protocol Special Olympics has opened a call for proposals from qualified consultants to lead the development of a new Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) Healthy Athletes protocol. This initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening health promotion and inclusive sport opportunities for athletes with profound, severe, and multiple intellectual and developmental disabilities who have high support needs. The selected consultant, either an individual or an organization, will be responsible for conducting background research, designing a protocol framework, and developing a comprehensive evidence-based MATP Healthy Athletes protocol.

Call for Proposals: Development of MATP Healthy Athletes Protocol

Special Olympics has opened a call for proposals from qualified consultants to lead the development of a new Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) Healthy Athletes protocol. This initiative represents a significant step toward…

Five Evidence-Based Recommendations Released to Support Physical Activity for Children and Youth with Disabilities A new set of five evidence-based recommendations has been released to support organizations in promoting and facilitating physical activity for children and youth with disabilities and their families. The recommendations were led by Active Abilities Canada and the Canadian Disability Participation Project (CDPP) and developed in collaboration with sport and physical activity organizations, researchers, and parents of children and youth with disabilities.

Five Evidence-Based Recommendations Released to Support Physical Activity for Children and Youth with Disabilities

A new set of five evidence-based recommendations has been released to support organizations in promoting and facilitating physical activity for children and youth with disabilities…

ASAPE 2026 International Symposium: Important Dates and Call for Participation Announced The 19th International Symposium of the Asian Society for Adapted Physical Education and Exercise (ASAPE 2026) will be held from July 15 to 17, 2026, in Shanghai, China. The symposium will take place in a face-to-face format and will be hosted at the Shanghai University of Sport. ASAPE 2026 will convene researchers, educators, practitioners, and students working in adapted physical education, adapted physical activity, and exercise science.

ASAPE 2026 International Symposium: Important Dates and Call for Participation Announced

The 19th International Symposium of the Asian Society for Adapted Physical Education and Exercise (ASAPE 2026) will be held from July 15 to 17, 2026, in Shanghai, China. The symposium will take place in a…

NAFAPA 2026 Abstract Submissions Open Until February 1, 2026 The organizing committee of the North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (NAFAPA) 2026 Conference invites abstract submissions for its upcoming biannual meeting, to be held July 28–31, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The deadline to submit abstracts is February 1, 2026 (23:59 local time). Submissions are welcome in the following categories: Research Presentations…

NAFAPA 2026 Abstract Submissions Open Until February 1, 2026

The organizing committee of the North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (NAFAPA) 2026 Conference invites abstract submissions for its upcoming biannual meeting, to be held July 28–31, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi at…

EUCAPA 2026 Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to January 20, 2026 The Scientific Committee of EUCAPA 2026 announces an extension of the abstract submission deadline. Participants now have until January 20, 2026 (23:59 CET) to submit their abstracts for consideration. This extension provides additional time for professionals, researchers, students, and practitioners in Adapted Physical Activity to contribute to the program. EUCAPA 2026 will take place in person and will feature a comprehensive scientific program including keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations, symposia, professional and video presentations, and practical workshops.

EUCAPA 2026 Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to January 20, 2026

The Scientific Committee of EUCAPA 2026 announces an extension of the abstract submission deadline. Participants now have until January 20, 2026 (23:59 CET) to submit their abstracts for consideration. This extension provides…

III SOCHIAFA Congress on Adapted Physical Activity to Be Held in Viña del Mar, Chile The III Congress of the Chilean Society of Adapted Physical Activity (SOCHIAFA) will take place on March 20–21, 2026, at the Universidad Viña del Mar, in Viña del Mar, Chile. This biennial event brings together academics, professionals, researchers, educators, students, and organizations dedicated to promoting inclusion through adapted physical activity and sport. Organized in collaboration with the Universidad Viña del Mar, the congress will feature keynote lectures, workshops, oral communications, and poster sessions, all aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and applied practices in the field.

III SOCHIAFA Congress on Adapted Physical Activity to Be Held in Viña del Mar, Chile

The III Congress of the Chilean Society of Adapted Physical Activity (SOCHIAFA) will take place on March 20–21, 2026, at the Universidad Viña del Mar, in Viña del Mar, Chile. This biennial event brings together…

New Distance Learning Course on Paralympic Sport Opens for Enrollment at University of São Paulo The School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo (USP) has launched registration for the new continuing education course: “Paralympic Sport: Initiation, High Performance, and Management.” This fully online course will run from April 6 to December 30, 2026, with two in-person visits planned. Aimed at students and professionals from any academic background with an interest or role in Paralympic sport—across schools, municipalities, clubs, NGOs, and social projects—the course provides a foundation in functional classification, sport-specific training, and management practices.

New Distance Learning Course on Paralympic Sport Opens for Enrollment at University of São Paulo

The School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo (USP) has launched registration for the new continuing education course: “Paralympic Sport: Initiation, High…

New Issue of PALAESTRA Explores Inclusive Physical Activity and Disability Sport Research The latest issue of PALAESTRA (Volume 39, Issue 4) is now available. This quarterly journal continues to provide valuable insights for professionals, educators, and advocates working in physical activity, sport, and recreation for individuals with disabilities. Edited by Dr. Martin Block (University of Virginia), PALAESTRA is indexed in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), making its content discoverable via Web of Science and contributing to author citation metrics.

New Issue of PALAESTRA Explores Inclusive Physical Activity and Disability Sport Research

The latest issue of PALAESTRA (Volume 39, Issue 4) is now available. This quarterly journal continues to provide valuable insights for professionals, educators, and advocates working in physical activity,…

ACSM Launches Inclusive Fitness Specialist Course for Professionals Working with Clients with Disabilities The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), in partnership with the Lakeshore Foundation and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has released the Inclusive Fitness Specialist Certificate Course. This fully online, self-paced program is designed to prepare fitness professionals to work effectively with individuals of all abilities in inclusive exercise environments. The course includes 25 learning modules covering key topics such as disability advocacy, universal design, exercise adaptations, adaptive training protocols, and condition-specific program design.

ACSM Launches Inclusive Fitness Specialist Course for Professionals Working with Clients with Disabilities

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), in partnership with the Lakeshore Foundation and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has released the Inclusive Fitness Specialist…

Third Edition of “The Paralympic Games Explained” Released by Routledge A fully revised third edition of The Paralympic Games Explained by Ian Brittain has been released by Routledge, offering an updated and comprehensive overview of the Paralympic Games and the Paralympic movement. Published on December 9, 2025, this edition reflects recent developments in Paralympic sport and scholarship and incorporates new research and data from the Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022, and Paris 2024 Games, with forward-looking perspectives toward Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

Third Edition of “The Paralympic Games Explained” Released by Routledge

A fully revised third edition of The Paralympic Games Explained by Ian Brittain has been released by Routledge, offering an updated and comprehensive overview of the Paralympic Games and the Paralympic movement. Published on…

NAFAPA 2026 Conference to Take Place in Hawaiʻi: Call for Abstracts Now Open The 18th North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (NAFAPA) Biennial Conference will be held from July 28 to 31, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in Honolulu, USA. This international event will bring together scholars, practitioners, and students to share research and foster collaboration in the field of adapted physical activity. Hosted by the University’s College of Education, the conference invites submissions in three categories: research presentations, building sessions, and student work-in-progress proposals.

NAFAPA 2026 Conference to Take Place in Hawaiʻi: Call for Abstracts Now Open

The 18th North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (NAFAPA) Biennial Conference will be held from July 28 to 31, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in Honolulu, USA. This international event will…

ISAPA 2025 Proceedings

The proceedings for the 25th International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA 2025) is now available. Sincere thanks to Catherine Carty and Gerard Masdeu Yelamos for producing this volume. It stands as a significant scholarly and legacy contribution to the field.…

Call for Applications to Host the 2028 NAFAPA Symposium The North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity has opened the application process to select the host institution for the 2028 NAFAPA Symposium. Interested institutions are invited to submit proposals outlining their capacity to deliver this scientific meeting, which focuses on advancing research, practice, and collaboration in adapted physical activity. Applications may be up to ten pages and should include details on the proposed conference location, the institution’s motivation for hosting, and information on the planning team.

Call for Applications to Host the 2028 NAFAPA Symposium

The North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity has opened the application process to select the host institution for the 2028 NAFAPA Symposium. Interested institutions are invited to submit proposals outlining their capacity to…

Applications Open for World Para Swimming Classification Manager Position A new opportunity is available for professionals interested in contributing to the development of Para swimming. Applications are now open for the full-time position of Classification Manager within World Para Swimming, based at the IPC headquarters in Bonn, Germany. The role includes managing the Para swimming classification portfolio, coordinating international classification opportunities, supporting the implementation of the classification strategy, and ensuring compliance with the IPC Classification Code.

Applications Open for World Para Swimming Classification Manager Position

A new opportunity is available for professionals interested in contributing to the development of Para swimming. Applications are now open for the full-time position of Classification Manager within World Para Swimming,…

Patrick Stolpmann Joins IFAPA as Disability Community Liaison to Strengthen Global Inclusion Efforts We are pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Stolpmann as IFAPA’s new Disability Community Liaison. Patrick joins is currently the Executive Director of the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE), where he has served since 2023. His leadership within ICSSPE, combined with his extensive background in international sport and policy development, positions him as an invaluable partner in strengthening IFAPA’s work across the global adapted physical activity community.

Patrick Stolpmann Joins IFAPA as Disability Community Liaison to Strengthen Global Inclusion Efforts

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Stolpmann as IFAPA’s new Disability Community Liaison. Patrick joins is currently the Executive Director of the International Council of Sport…

IPC Opens Bidding Process to Host VISTA 2027 and 2029 Scientific Conferences The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has opened the bidding process to host the VISTA Scientific Conferences in 2027 and 2029. These events are regarded as a central forum for professionals working in Para sport, including sport scientists, medical teams, coaches, classifiers, and other specialists. Created in 1993, the conference aims to support collaboration and the exchange of knowledge on themes related to athlete performance, health, and classification.

IPC Opens Bidding Process to Host VISTA 2027 and 2029 Scientific Conferences

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has opened the bidding process to host the VISTA Scientific Conferences in 2027 and 2029. These events are regarded as a central forum for professionals working in Para sport,…