AdaptX Podcast

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 arou...

Brendan speaks with Brandon Biggs, CEO and co-founder of XR Navigation, about his journey into technology and the development of Audiom, an inclusive digital map viewer designed to assist individuals with visual impairments. They discuss the challenges of accessibility in digital spaces, the importance of adhering to accessibility standards, and the role of AI in enhancing accessibility solutions....

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Brendan engages with Chris Ahrens, an educator and former member of the US Para 7v7 national soccer team. They discuss the profound impact of sports on personal development, the importance of adaptive sports for youth with disabilities, and the evolving landscape of adaptive physical education. Chris shares his journey from traditional sports to adaptive spor...

In this conversation, Dr. Justin Haegele and Brendan Aylward explore the complexities of inclusion in adaptive physical education and fitness. They discuss personal experiences that shaped their understanding of inclusion, the evolution of language used in the field, and the challenges faced in creating meaningful experiences for individuals with disabilities. The dialogue emphasizes the importanc...

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan speaks with Aaron Golub, a legally blind athlete who made history as a Division I football player at Tulane University. Aaron shares his journey from childhood sports to discovering his passion for football and long snapping. He discusses the challenges he faced in high school, the importance of assistive technology in his academic success, and how he...

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan engages in a conversation with Dr. Tyler Garner and his father, Doug Garner, about the significance of adaptive sports in their lives. They discuss the advocacy efforts that shaped Tyler's early experiences in sports, the challenges faced in gaining acceptance and opportunities, and the impact of sports on identity and social dynamics. Tyler shares hi...

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan sits down with Eavan O'Neill, a dedicated marathoner and passionate advocate for the blind and visually impaired community. Eavan shares her journey of being diagnosed with Stargardt's disease, a condition that causes progressive vision loss, and how it has shaped her life. She discusses the c6dxolhallenges of navigating college, her career aspiration...

Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride; the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, a monthly micro-grant that has awarded $82.5k to 83 disability projects in 11 countries; and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World . She ser...

Alexia Michitti, founder of Em13race LLC, joins the AdaptX Podcast to discuss her journey as a senior at SUNY Oneonta, a motivational speaker, and co-captain of the US Women's Amputee Soccer Team. She shares her experiences growing up with a limb difference and how she was encouraged to participate in traditional sports. Alexia talks about the lack of opportunities for adaptive sports in her high...

Alexia Michitti, founder of Em13race LLC, joins the AdaptX Podcast to discuss her journey as a senior at SUNY Oneonta, a motivational speaker, and co-captain of the US Women's Amputee Soccer Team. She shares her experiences growing up with a limb difference and how she was encouraged to participate in traditional sports. Alexia talks about the lack of opportunities for adaptive sports in her high...

Alexia Michitti, founder of Em13race LLC, joins the AdaptX Podcast to discuss her journey as a senior at SUNY Oneonta, a motivational speaker, and co-captain of the US Women's Amputee Soccer Team. She shares her experiences growing up with a limb difference and how she was encouraged to participate in traditional sports. Alexia talks about the lack of opportunities for adaptive sports in her high...

In this episode, Brendan is joined by Stephanie Cawthon, an internationally renowned author, researcher, and consultant who brings relatable insights and real-world skills to her mission that—when we tap the power of accessibility—we ensure disabled people can thrive and succeed. She is the Author of Disability is Human: The Vital Power of Accessibility in Everyday Life, which will be released thi...

Today’s guest Matt Downing is the Program and Events Coordinator at the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Prior to that he spent the last 3 years working in the Olympic and Paralympic movement planning and executing large scale events and tournaments at organizations such as U.S. Soccer, USA Triathlon, and USA Football. He is committed to making sports safer and accessible for all. He discusses how sp...

Ahoi is an accessibility app that identifies barriers in the environment and prioritizes businesses that are accessible. It also offers personalized accessibility ratings based on individual needs. The app aims to take the mystery out of accessibility and provide a customizable solution. The founder, Jake Haendel, was diagnosed with acute toxic progressive leukoencephalopathy and went through a fo...

Mason Metzger, an award-winning keynote speaker and advocate, discusses his journey as a motivational speaker and consultant, integrating universal design principles into businesses. He shares his experiences as a wheelchair user and the challenges he faced in college. Mason emphasizes the importance of understanding the lived experiences of people with disabilities and integrating universal desig...

John Edward Heath, a former Marine and Paralympic athlete, shares his journey as an amputee and advocate for amputees in Maryland. He discusses his passion for weightlifting and how it led him to become a Paralympic athlete. John also talks about the challenges he faced in the military and the decision to undergo an elective amputation. He highlights the importance of insurance coverage for second...

Ray Browning is the CEO and co-founder of Biomotum, Inc., a wearable rehabilitation robotics company. Browning is an entrepreneur, innovator, and an academic and clinical researcher with over 30 years of product development, start-up, academic and Fortune 100 (Nike) experience. Ray has a strong technical and clinical background and has experience managing large research/product development program...

Jack O’Neil started swimming at the age of six and spent two summers on a summer league swim team before moving on to a year-round club where he specialized in backstroke and middle-distance freestyle. Jack was born with congenital deformities in his left leg that required many surgeries to fix and after almost 10 years of trying to save his leg, Jack decided that having his leg amputated above th...

In todays episode we are joined by Dr. Peter McGahey. Dr. McGahey is a teaching assistant professor at West Virginia University in the School of Sport Sciences within the College of Applied Human Science, the National Educator Developer for the U.S. Soccer Federation C-Course and as the assistant coach for the U.S. Soccer Federation Power Soccer National Team. He has degrees in Educational Leaders...

In 2022, eight years after her initial diagnosis, Andrea Peet became the first person with ALS to complete 50 marathons in all 50 states. Racing in a recumbent trike, she is the inspiration behind the Team Drea Foundation, a non-profit organization that has raised more than $1 million towards ALS research. Her documentary, Go On, Be Brave, and memoir Hope Fights Back shares her incredible story of...

Dennis Murphy shares his recovery journey after a stroke and the importance of fitness and recreation in the recovery process. He emphasizes the need for consistency and determination in daily activities and therapy. Dennis also discusses the challenges of reacclimating to a new normal and the importance of treating individuals with disabilities as capable and independent. He shares his goals of r...

David Figueroa, a motivational speaker and advocate with cerebral palsy, shares his experiences and insights on building inclusive businesses and excelling in adaptive sports. He emphasizes the importance of adaptive sports in accepting and appreciating one's diagnosis and developing relationships with peers. David also discusses his journey through education, the challenges he faced in school, an...

On today’s episode, we were joined by Dr. Cort Schneider. Dr. Schneider was born with cerebral palsy, is the Director of Disability Services at the University of Richmond, and a professor. He is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, and adaptive recreation. He is a runner who uses forearm crutches and he has completed 14 half marathons, and dozens of 5k races. He even wrote a book ca...

Bethany Noble initially started working in adaptive fitness and with diverse populations when she was based at a rehabilitation center. She was recognized by the physiotherapist team and asked to work with their rehabilitation clients. She started with Spinal Cord Injuries as her first rehabilitation client and received direct referrals from physios. Bethany emphasizes the importance of understand...

In today's episode Ryan Wilson, CEO of Team Trust Productions, discusses the importance of inclusive and accessible marketing campaigns. He shares his experiences of living with a disability and how it inspired him to start his company. Wilson emphasizes the need to humanize individuals with disabilities and showcase their stories beyond their sports achievements. He also highlights the role of re...