Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership, Advocacy, and Impact
Abstract Guidelines
Types of Presentation Formats
- Poster Presentations
- Free Communications
- Presentations
- Round Table Discussions
- Emerging Scholars Symposium
- Practitioner Program Showcase (New This Year)
Important Dates
- Submission Open: December 15, 2025
- Submission Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Abstract Notification: April 30, 2026
Abstracts should reflect original work that contributes to the ongoing leadership, advocacy, and impact of adapted physical education or adapted physical activity, recreation.
All submissions must be submitted through the NCPEID website.
Presentation Categories
1. Poster Presentations
Poster sessions highlight the ongoing leadership and innovation shaping the next 50 years of adapted physical education and recreation. Presenters may share completed or in-progress research in a visual, interactive format. This setting is ideal for data-driven work, pilot projects, and student-led studies. Each presenter will have 3 minutes to introduce their poster, with five presenters per session. A collective Q&A will follow at the end.
2. Free Communications Presentations
Free Communications provide a platform to showcase research and applied studies that advance advocacy and evidence-based practice in the field. Presenters will have 12 minutes to share the purpose, methods, results, and implications of their work, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A. This format supports meaningful professional dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
3. Round Table Discussions
Round Table sessions foster collaborative conversations on key topics shaping the future of adapted physical education, activity, and recreation. After a brief introduction of the topic, presenters will guide group discussion and shared problem-solving. This format is well suited for exploring new directions, discussing program development, and addressing emerging issues-continuing NCPEID's long-standing commitment to leadership and community engagement.
4. Emerging Scholars Symposium
The Emerging Scholars Symposium supports the next generation of leaders by providing a welcoming space for undergraduate and graduate students to present proposed or ongoing research. Following a format similar to Free Communications, sessions include time for presentation, discussion, and constructive feedback. Experienced scholars will offer mentoring to strengthen study design, methods, and dissemination-advancing the field for the next 50 years.
Scholarship Opportunity: A full conference registration waiver will be awarded to the top three abstracts selected for the Emerging Scholars Symposium.
Emerging Scholar Presentation Award: One Outstanding presentation will be recognized with Emerging Scholar Presentation Award, highlighting excellence in research quality, clarity, and potential impact.
5. Practitioner Program Showcase
The Practitioner Program Showcase highlights impactful, field-tested practices that reflect the innovation and dedication of professionals working directly with individuals with disabilities. Presenters will have 12-15 minutes to share program ideas, teaching strategies, or inclusive recreation initiatives, followed by 3-5 minutes for questions/collaboration/brainstorming. This session emphasizes practical approaches that support engagement, inclusion, and continued excellence in practice.
Abstract Requirements
- Abstracts must be limited to 250 words (text only).
- Research abstracts should include the following sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
- Authors should select their preferred presentation category at submission. The organizing committee will make every effort to accommodate preferences but cannot guarantee all requests.
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