In Episode 151 of The A&P Professor podcast, host Kevin Patton is joined by Jennifer Stokes, Rachel Hopp, and Abbey Breckling to discuss the Anatomy and Physiology Student Accommodations Handbook. This handbook released by the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS), provides instructors with evidence-based suggestions and best practices for making A&P labs and classrooms more inclusive and accessible for all students. Developed by a HAPS subcommittee, the handbook offers guidance on accommodating students with a wide range of needs, from physical limitations to visual or hearing impairments. The goal is to help instructors identify meaningful alternatives to standard lab protocols that promote student success. The handbook is organized by common accommodation requests and includes sections on universal design principles, making accommodations for temporary conditions, and incorporating tactile and visual aids. The HAPS committee plans to regularly update the handbook as new strategies and technologies emerge.

0:00:00 | Introduction
0:00:48 | How It Started
0:19:33 | Blue Sky's From Now On *
0:20:38 | You Don't Know You Need It Until You Do
0:32:57 | Brain Break *
0:35:36 | Opportunities for Learning
0:47:33 | Show Business *
0:51:03 | Exploring the Handbook
1:02:44 | Staying Connected

* Breaks

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Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists, it is making a new space, a better space for everyone. (Rachel Olivero)

 

How It Started

18.5 minutes

Discover how the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society is transforming student inclusion with its new A&P Student Accommodations Handbook! Host Kevin Patton chats with experts Jennifer Stokes, Rachel Hopp, and Abbey Breckling about creating equitable lab experiences, the power of universal design, and why this groundbreaking resource is a must for educators. Tune in to hear the inspiring journey behind this 62-page guide and how it’s reshaping A&P education.

Contributing subcommittee members:

Heather Armbruster, 
Kathy Burleson, 
Jim Clark, 
Patricia Clark, 
Molli Crenshaw, 
Liz Dement, 
Jennifer Ellsworth, 
Youlonda FitzGerald, 
Sarah Greene, 
Barbara Heard, 
Cheryl Hill, 
Elizabeth Hogdson Shearer, 
Jenna Jarvis, 
Gracie King, 
Jennifer Rogers, 
Angela Stearns, 
J.P. Swigart, 
Diane Tice, 
Margaret Weck

 

BlueSky's From Now On

1 minute

As change shakes up the social media world, many anatomy and physiology educators are migrating to BlueSky. If you’ve left X (formerly Twitter), follow The A&P Professor on BlueSky to stay connected with the community. Follow us at bsky.app/profile/theapprofessor.org  or search for "The A&P Professor" and join us for updates, insights, and more!

 

You Don't Know You Need It Until You Do

12.5 minutes

Dive into the impactful journey behind the A&P Student Accommodations Handbook! Kevin's guests discuss the immense collaboration it took—spanning dozens of experts, external reviewers, and committee members. Learn how this comprehensive guide empowers A&P instructors to meet diverse student needs with actionable strategies, universal design principles, and a forward-thinking approach to inclusivity. It’s not just a resource—it’s a living document reshaping classrooms for the better.

 

Brain Break

2.5 minutes

Kevin Patton tackles the surprising science behind podcast breaks! Far from annoying, these pauses enhance learning, prevent mental fatigue, and help you absorb content in bite-sized chunks. Discover why breaks are key to re-engagement and memory consolidation, all while making your listening experience better. You’re welcome!

 

Opportunities For Learning

12 minutes

Accessibility meets creativity in this lively discussion on accommodating diverse learners in A&P labs. Kevin's guests explore innovative solutions, like tactile warnings, puffy paint diagrams, and mirrored setups inspired by cooking classes. They also share the importance of teamwork with disability offices and how universal design benefits everyone in the classroom. This episode will leave you inspired to make learning more inclusive and impactful!

 

Show Business

3.5 minutes

Ever wondered what show notes really are? In this break, Kevin Patton dives into the treasure trove of resources offered in The A&P Professor show notes. From time-stamped chapters and embedded players to searchable transcripts and pre-formatted citations, these notes are your ultimate episode companion. Whether you're catching up on segments or claiming professional development credentials, everything you need is just a click away at theAPprofessor.org.

 

Exploring the Handbook

11.5 minutes

In this closing segment, Kevin's expert guests reflect on the incredible collaboration behind the A&P Student Accommodations Handbook. From practical tools like spring-loaded scissors and braille-labeled models to universal design strategies, this episode reveals the game-changing innovations reshaping A&P education. Whether you’re tackling temporary accommodations or looking for inclusive classroom ideas, this conversation is full of inspiration for every educator.

 

Links

★ Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (home page) hapsweb.org

★ A&P Student Accommodations Handbook, Link HAPS Web Member Resources Link (you will need to login to HAPS first): hapsweb.org/page/member_resources

★ Barbara Heard (website with links to accommodation resources) bheardu.net/

★ HAPS Townhall Webinars on Accommodations (replays of past conversations) hapsweb.org/page/townhalls

★ Rachel Hopp (profile) linkedin.com/in/rachelhopp/

★ Jennifer Stokes (website) StokesLab.com

★ The A&P Professor on BlueSky Social (social media profile) bsky.app/profile/theapprofessor.org

★ Brain Breaks are Essential for Learning AandP.info/ksx

★ Top 10 Things Every Presenter Needs to Know About People: People Learn Best in 20 Minute Chunks AandP.info/2hj

★ Gimme a Break: Schedule Pauses to Improve Your