National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability

02/13/2026

Episode 20 of our podcast is now available! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Byron Lai about how new technology is playing a role in cardiorespiratory fitness research for kids with disabilities. 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-20-research-and-reimagining-youth-cardio-exercise-with-dr-byron-lai/

Dr. Byron Lai joins our podcast to discuss how new technology is playing a role in cardiorespiratory fitness research for kids with disabilities.

02/12/2026

NCHPAD in the community! Our team had a great time at Sun Valley Elementary in Birmingham, Alabama, leading a wheelchair basketball demonstration with our friends at the Lakeshore Foundation and Birmingham City Schools!

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Today is National Wear Red Day! Heart health matters for everyone. People with disabilities are at higher risk for heart disease, but small changes can lead to lasting benefits. Our team and their families are wearing red today to show support and raise awareness for heart health. Join us and put your heart first.

02/04/2026

Get to know: The RESNA Standards Committee on Inclusive Fitness. The committee’s goal is to create standards and or guidelines that help fitness facility operators, trainers, and staff improve accessibility across their environments, including layout, equipment, and programming, for people of all abilities. Learn more about them and their work here: https://www.resna.org/AT-Standards/Inclusive-Fitness

02/04/2026

Today is World Cancer Day. This is a day to raise awareness about cancer, focus on preventing it, and take action to address the global cancer epidemic.

NACDD’s Disability Network for To***co Control and Cancer Prevention encourages public health professionals to ensure their cancer prevention programs intentionally include people with disabilities.

It’s important to offer accessible cancer prevention screenings that allow people with disabilities to be tested for cancer and have wellness programs that give information about ways to stop to***co use and prevent cancer.

Some ways to make sure your programs are accessible include:

- Accessible Screenings: Offer virtual options, provide accessible transportation, include sign language interpreters, and offer materials in Braille, easy-to-read formats, or plain language.
- Leadership: Ensure your working groups are led by and include people with diverse disabilities.
- Representative Campaigns: Create educational content that accurately represents the disability community.

Click here for more information: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/communication-tools/accessible-social-media-for-public-health/

01/28/2026

Don't give up on your New Year's resolutions! Try this guided meditation from the NCHPAD YouTube channel to help you stay on track with your goals and set intentions for this year.

Today's guided meditation is focused on setting goals and intentions for the new year. Like, share and subscribe to see more guided meditations.NCHPAD (Natio...

01/20/2026

The NCHPAD Care Partner Coffee Club offers a unique space for caregivers or care partners to share their experiences, have a supportive community, and more. Each session features expert speakers on wellness and helpful resources for your journey. Learn more and sign up here: https://uablf.dom.uab.edu/surveys/?utm_source=golink&utm_medium=golink&s=AAEYRWEMJC97LCF9

You can also call 866-866-8896 or email nchpad@uab.edu for more info.

01/16/2026

What does it mean to be seen with dignity? Painter and writer Riva Lehrer and scholar Rosemarie Garland-Thomson explore how portraiture shapes the way disabled people are seen and how they see themselves. Through art, lived experience, and honest reflection, this video challenges stigma and reclaims representation as an act of value and respect.
Watch the full video and rethink who gets represented, how, and why it matters. Visit it here:

https://youtu.be/ha68nX-wx2Y?si=5JQFW-WIDUPYNcjf

01/15/2026

Be ready before an emergency hits. From power outages to severe weather, having a plan in place can make all the difference. Our guide shares simple steps to help you prepare, build an emergency kit, and plan accessible evacuation options.
Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready: https://www.nchpad.org/resources/preparing-for-emergencies-stay-ready-so-you-dont-have-to-get-ready/

By being prepared, individuals with physical disability or mobility limitations can stay safer, more independent, and better equipped to navigate disasters.

01/08/2026

In our latest article, NCHPAD Expert Information Specialist Bob Lujano discusses performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for wheelchair users, whether they are receiving or administering aid, and the important adaptations to be aware of. Stay informed and be prepared! Read more here:

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr-administration-for-a-person-in-a-wheelchair/

NCHPAD Expert Information Specialist Bob Lujano gives some advice for individuals using a wheelchair who need to administer CPR.

01/07/2026

NCHPAD Content and Inquiry Manager Alex Martinez recently led an amazing professional development session with the health and physical educators in Autauga County Schools with the assistance of NCHPAD Program Manager Penny Edwards. We truly appreciate our time there and can't thank Andria Walker with Auburn University Montgomery enough for inviting us to co-present during this workshop with her!