NAFAPA 2026

NAFAPA’s biannual meeting is an important event to share cutting-edge research and emerging trends in adapted physical activity. It offers participants opportunities for rich dialogue, the development of collaborative initiatives, and constructive feedback on their work. The conference harnesses the expertise of NAFAPA's diverse membership while welcoming new voices and perspectives into the organization. Students gain unparalleled opportunities to present their work, connect with leading scholars, and build professional networks that support their future careers.

Call for Abstracts are OPEN

Important dates:

Abstract Submission Opens:  November 17, 2025

Abstract Submission Deadline:  February 1, 2026

Abstract Notification:  March 15, 2026

Early Bird Registration Opens:  February 1, 2026

Early Bird Registration Ends:  April 15, 2026

Online Registration Ends:  July 14, 2026

Conference Begins:  Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Procedures and Deadlines for Abstract Submissions:

The deadline for abstract submission is February 1, 2026. Abstracts will then be reviewed and authors should be notified of the status of their abstract submission around March 21, 2026.

All abstracts are limited to 250 words (text only). Abstracts may be submitted for research presentations, building sessions, and student “work in progress” proposals. All abstracts should be original and relevant to adapted physical activity, education, recreation, or related fields. Please note that only the person submitting this form will be notified of the proposal's acceptance or rejection. The submitter is responsible for notifying the other presenters of the abstract's status.

Research: The research abstract should be structured according to the following: A) introduction, B) methods, C) results/findings, and D) implications/conclusions. Your abstract narrative should include the research question(s), significance of the study, description of the sample, major procedures, data analysis, and results/conclusions. Authors submitting research abstracts will be required to select their preferred presentation format of oral presentation (12 minute presentation with 3 minutes for questions), or poster presentation, or select the option of either format to provide the symposium organizers with maximum flexibility in scheduling. The organizing committee will make every effort to meet your selection preference but it is important to realize that not all preferences can be accommodated. 

Current students, undergraduate or graduate who will be enrolled in Fall 2026, who are the principal author of the research abstract, may select the student poster session option to be entered in the Greg Reid Research Award competition. Note: the student posters will be held separately from the general research posters.

Building Sessions: A limited number of Building Sessions of 45 minutes with 2-4 presenters, will be selected for the program. Presenters must create opportunities for open dialogue among researchers on significant issues in Adapted Physical Activity. A minimum of 50% of the Building Session should be dedicated to group discussion, break-out activities, or other forms of active participation that create an open dialogue among the audience and speakers. This verbal presentation will not have a moderator. The abstract should address the following: A) primary issue to be presented and discussed, B) significance of the issue and session, and C) description of the session.

Student “Work in Progress Proposals: This type of presentation is intended for students who have not yet collected their study data (i.e. have not graduated in the Spring/Summer 2026), it is still a work in progress. Students may submit abstracts for a special moderated session to give an oral presentation (10 minutes) of their proposed research and get 5 minutes of feedback from scholars in the field. The abstract should address the following: A) background, B) study significance, C) study purpose, and D) the proposed sample and methods. The student must list their supervisor’s name and affiliation in the submission.

All abstracts should be submitted using the online forms available on the website. If you have any questions or concerns about the submission of your abstract, please send an inquiry to nafapa26@hawaii.edu.

NAFAPA and the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's College of Education are partnering to bring you a vibrant and thought-provoking gathering of experts in adapted physical activity. You’ll be surrounded by people who share your passion and push your thinking further. And let’s be honest — where better to advance adapted physical activity than in a place where connection, movement, and community are part of the culture?