Adapting Physical Activity for the Disabled

This UVA Speaks podcast features Abby Fines, Assistant Professor of Education in the Department of Kinesiology and Director of the Lifetime Physical Activity Program at the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. Fines specializes in adaptive physical activity, focusing on tailoring exercise and sports programs to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. She highlights that in kinesiology, exercise is regarded as medicine and advocates for equal access to sports and recreational activities. This involves breaking down barriers and advancing opportunities in adaptive sports.

Transcripts of the audio broadcast can be found here.

Abby Fines is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and the Director of the Kinesiology Lifetime Physical Activity (KLPA) program at the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. She oversees more than 35 academic courses designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead physically active lives. With a specialization in adaptive physical activity, Fines focuses on sports development for individuals with intellectual, physical, and sensory disabilities across various levels of play and competition. Her research is dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for participation, particularly for para-athletes, in both school and community athletic settings.