National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability

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!

12/31/2025

Need some help with your New Year's resolutions or goals? Check out our new article with some tips from the NCHPAD team to help you avoid burnout. Link below:

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/new-years-goal-setting/

As a new year begins, people often set lofty goals or resolutions with the hopes of improving their lives. While goal setting is extremely effective in making positive changes, big changes don’t…

12/22/2025

Your health goals don't have to start after the new year! Try our Healthy Holidays Bingo Card! Download the sheet and try to achieve these health goals focused on mindfulness, physical activity, nutrition, and self-care. Check it out in the link below:

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/healthy-holidays-bingo-card/

Get a head start on your health goals with NCHPAD’s Healthy Holidays bingo card!

12/17/2025

Since we’re in the holiday season, we thought we’d ask some of our team some holiday questions!

12/12/2025

This week, the NCHPAD team took part in the third annual UAB SHP Research Collaborative Day, highlighting the amazing work being done not only by our team but also in other areas of disability research, community outreach, and more. Special thanks to Andrew Butler, Ph.D., Dean of the UAB School of Health Professions, and Dante Bacani for joining as guest speakers at the event. We hope to continue building momentum and making a greater positive impact in 2026!

12/11/2025

Hosting a holiday party? Make sure you check out our article with tips to make your party both fun, accessible and adaptive for all who attend the event. It covers everything from pre-party invitations to activities and more. Visit the article here:

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/hosting-an-accessible-adaptive-holiday-party/

Don’t forget to make your parties accessible for everyone to participate comfortably! Check out these tips from our team!

12/08/2025

The holidays, often celebrated as a time of joy and connection, can sometimes heighten feelings of loneliness and isolation for many people, particularly those with disabilities. Our article from our Healthy Holidays series provides ways for you to stay connected with others and reduce social isolation:

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/combating-social-isolation-for-people-with-disabilities/

12/05/2025

Episode 19 of our podcast is now available! In this episode, part of our Healthy Holidays series, we talk about staying active and exploring adaptive exercises during the holiday season with NCHPAD Exercise Physiologist John Reams! 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-19-rethinking-exercise-during-the-holidays-with-john-reams/

In this episode, part of our Healthy Holidays series, we talk about staying active and exploring adaptive exercises during the holiday season with NCHPAD Exercise Physiologist John Reams.