Promotion, Dissemination, and Practical Application of Results and Findings in the Field of Physical Activity for Populations with Disabilities and/or Special Needs
About NAFAPA
The North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (NAFAPA) is an international organization dedicated to the promotion, dissemination, and practical application of results and findings in the field of physical activity for the benefit of populations with disabilities and/or special needs.
NAFAPA is a branch of the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA), and has a coordinating function with international, national, and regional organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, which are concerned with the scientific aspects of adapted physical activity, physical education, rehabilitation therapy, recreation, sport, and leisure activities for persons with disabilities or special needs.
![An action shot of [Name], who uses an electric wheelchair, playing tennis and is about to hit the ball.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1f7091_fc3cec1cf52e43a6894cbfbdd028d915~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_411,h_230,al_c,lg_1,q_80,enc_avif,quality_auto/1f7091_fc3cec1cf52e43a6894cbfbdd028d915~mv2.jpg)
Our History
Drs. Robert Steadward and Ted Wall were co-Chairs of a committee to facilitate the formation of NAFAPA. Other committee members included Drs. Karen DePauw, Michael Horvat, Claudine Sherrill, Greg Reid and David Reams. The committee was established at the IFAPA symposium in 1989 in Berlin. Members met again in July 1990 at an International Conference on Sport, Recreation, Fitness, and Health for Mentally Handicapped people held at the University of British Columbia, Canada. NAFAPA became a reality in October 1992 at the first symposium held in Montreal, Quebec. At that meeting, Dr. Colin Higgs was tasked to develop a constitution and by-laws for the federation. These were presented and adopted at the second NAFAPA symposium in East Lansing, Michigan in 1994. (personal communication, Dr. Greg Reid)
Mission & Vision
Mission: The mission of NAFAPA is to advance scientific inquiry and the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge in Adapted Physical Activity.
Vision: An Adapted Physical Activity field that ensures equitable opportunities for meaningful participation in physical activity, sport, and exercise for individuals experiencing disability across the lifespan.
Bylaws