E 53: Breaking Barriers: Adaptive Fitness and Resilient Community Spirit with Kiersten McCartney

Kiersten McCartney, “Coach K”, the program director and co-founder of Arena Adaptive, shares her journey and passion for engaging people with disabilities in exercise, fitness, and sport. She discusses the origins of her passion and the intentional community-building approach she takes in her work.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to adaptive fitness, healthcare challenges for people with disabilities, and the importance of inclusion and understanding. Kiersten shares insights on her work, the impact of her programs, and the need for greater awareness and support for individuals with disabilities.
We also delve into the significance of treating people with disabilities as individuals and the value of adaptive sports. Coach K shares her experiences in creating inclusive fitness programs and starting an amputee soccer team.
Sound Bites
"It's simple. It's not complicated. It's just unlearning attitudes and things that we've been told"
"I grew up with someone who used forearm crutches and in my mind, there was nothing that he couldn't do."
"We clearly have systems that exist that allow for an instantaneous way to get something. And yet when we're talking about something that is a device that allows someone to be able to interact with their environment, I've got to tell them they got to hang out for three to six months."