National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability

06/05/2026

Episode 24 of our podcast is now available! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Christen Mendonca, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham whose work focuses on exercise, rehabilitation, and wellness for people with disabilities. As the inaugural WINNERS Postdoctoral Fellow and an accomplished adapted athlete, Christen shares how his research and lived experience are helping improve quality of life for individuals with Rett syndrome and their families. The episode is available in the link below (along with a transcript) and on all major streaming platforms.

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/podcast-episode-24-winners-and-wellness-with-dr-christen-mendonca/

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Christen Mendonca, a postdoctoral researcher with the School of Health Professions Research Collaborative at University of Alabama at Birmingham. His work centers on…

06/02/2026

We are proud to announce that our fantastic video team won two bronze Telly Awards for its service dog video! Learn more about the recognition and watch the video in the link below!

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/nchpad-wins-two-telly-awards-for-service-dog-video/

06/01/2026

Do you know an individual or organization making a lasting impact in the disability field? Nominate them for a 2026 APHA Disability Section Award!

Nominations are open through June 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. Winners will be recognized at the 2026 APHA Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX.

Submit your nomination today! https://t.co/jyHUsWlu2Y

05/22/2026

Special thanks to The San Diego Union-Tribune for including NCHPAD participant Patty Ericson-Taylor and the NCHPAD Adaptive Gardening Series in its recent article about adaptive gardening! Get real advice and suggestions from individuals with mobility limitations to start your own garden! Check out the article here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/05/16/the-multifaceted-appeal-of-adaptive-gardening/

05/21/2026

NCHPAD Expert Information Specialist Bob Lujano recently attended the 2nd annual Northwest Florida Disability Conference on the campus of Florida State University-Panama City. The theme of the event was "supporting individuals across the lifespan," and Bob led a discussion titled "Reaching People with Disabilities through a National Health Promotion Infrastructure," focused on the three strategies within NCHPAD.

05/19/2026

Searching for accessible and adaptive programs, organizations, or places near you? The new NCHPAD Directory makes it easy to discover organizations or places that support healthy living for people with disabilities and mobility limitations. Search by category or location to find opportunities, services and support near you.

If you can’t find what you’re searching for or would like to have your organization listed, submit it in our contact form on our website.

Uncover a world of possibilities right near you! Explore our directory to find what you need for an active and healthy lifestyle.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to NCHPAD Director Dr. James Rimmer for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (NARRTC)! The award recognizes his work in the field of disability health promotion through exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the advancement of disability research, practice, and policy, aiming to improve the lives of people living with disabilities.

05/08/2026

Episode 23 of our podcast is now available! In this episode, we speak with Daniel Grier, Creative Director and Adaptive Stylist for the Every Body Blooms fashion event, which took place on April 2, presented by NCHPAD and UAB Arts in Medicine. Daniel shared what the event meant to him and why events like this are so important. The episode is available in the link below (along with a transcript) and on all major streaming platforms.

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/podcast-episode-23-every-body-blooms-with-daniel-grier/

In this episode, Daniel Grier, Creative Director and Adaptive Stylist for our recent Every Body Blooms fashion show, reflects on the success and the meaning of this special event.

05/01/2026

Cincinnati Children’s and NCHPAD Connect are hosting a free, six-week virtual yoga series for youth ages 10-17 with mobility limitations. Running Tuesdays from June 2nd to July 7th, the program blends foundational yoga with playful outdoor themes through live Zoom sessions. To learn more and register, visit the link below.

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/cincinnati-childrens-nchpad-virtual-yoga/

04/29/2026

During April, NCHPAD partnered with the City of Hoover Therapeutic Recreation Program to deliver adapted sport experiences for a therapeutic group. Participants enjoyed playing futsal and participating in sitting volleyball in an inclusive and engaging environment.

Special thanks to Jayla Maye, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and her staff for their support, as well as Dr. Yongju Hwang and his students in Adapted Physical Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Education and Human Sciences.

We appreciate FIFA Football for Schools for providing the soccer balls, and we're grateful for all partners helping expand access to inclusive sports opportunities!