Welcome back to What's New in Adapted Physical Education, where we shine a light on trailblazers in the field of adapted physical education (APE). In this episode, we interview Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE
), an APE teacher in Lancaster, Pennsylvania about how she has transformed her teaching by integrating innovative assistive technologies. Her work exemplifies the power of creativity, collaboration, and determination in breaking barriers to participation and fostering independence for her students. Inspired during her master’s program, Nicole collaborated with high school robotics and building trades classes to create assistive technology devices like switch-activated catapults and bowling ramps to meet her students' needs. Nicole shares several examples of technologies that allow students to engage in meaningful sport and physical activity in a variety of unique ways. For example, she details how a student using a head switch can serve a volleyball inspired both peers and teachers. While challenges like equipment maintenance and securing support persist, Nicole also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mentorship to overcome them. Nicole’s work highlights the transformative potential of assistive technology in APE, which can serve as a means to encourage others to find creative solutions to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.