The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) team recently traveled to Orlando to attend the 2026 Annual Summit hosted by the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy (NAHPL), an established partner of NCHPAD. The two organizations have been collaborating on initiatives like the 2025 Advancing Partnership for Inclusive Health, which supports inclusive health and physical activity programs across schools and communities (NCHPAD Inclusion Grants).

The NAHPL National Summit brought together educators, researchers, and practitioners committed to advancing health and physical literacy across schools, universities, and community programs. The conference featured keynote speakers, research presentations, and interactive workshops that highlighted innovative teaching strategies, emerging research, and practical approaches to promoting lifelong health and physical activity. It also provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration among professionals dedicated to improving health and physical education.

During the event, our team presented on key topics including Adapted Health Literacy, Adapted Sports, and the importance of collaboration in preparing and supporting future professionals in the field.

We are proud to share that Penny Edwards, NCHPAD Strategy III Program Manager, served as a delegate representing both the Southern Tier Region and the national body. She will continue in this role over the coming year, contributing to ongoing efforts that advance health and physical literacy for all.

While in Orlando for the Summit, our very own Content and Inquiry Manager, Alex Martinez, was honored with the NAHPL Physical Literacy Advocate Award. This recognition highlights Alex’s dedication to advancing physical literacy and his ongoing impact in the field.

We are grateful to Penny Edwards for recognizing Alex’s hard work and nominating him for this well-deserved award.

At the Summit, NCHPAD was also honored to receive a Citation of Excellence from the Academy. This recognition highlights our organization’s ongoing contributions and support, as well as our commitment to advancing inclusion, adapted practices, and meaningful data collection in the field.

We are grateful for this recognition and proud to continue partnering with leaders and professionals who are working to make health and physical literacy more accessible for all.

We are proud to share that Penny Edwards has been reappointed as Social Media Chair for the NAHPL Southern Tier and will continue serving as the Adapted Physical Education/Physical Activity Chair on the Southern Tier Board.

In addition, Penny Edwards and Alex Martinez will continue their service on the Adapted Health and Physical Literacy National Committee and the Adapted Health Subcommittee. Through this continued leadership and collaboration, NCHPAD is able to help shape conversations and initiatives within the Academy while advocating for inclusion, adapted practices, and accessibility in health and physical literacy.

These roles reflect the continued leadership and commitment of the NCHPAD team to advancing inclusive health and physical literacy efforts nationwide. By remaining actively involved with NAHPL through committee work, regional leadership, and national collaboration, NCHPAD helps ensure that the perspectives and needs of people with disabilities remain part of important conversations shaping the future of health and physical education.

We look forward to continuing this partnership in the future and to supporting innovative work that promotes access, inclusion, and lifelong participation in health and physical activity for everyone.