Hobbies and recreation can add so much to our lives, from joy and purpose to connection and community. They provide opportunities to pursue interests, express creativity, and participate in experiences that matter to us.
Recognizing that impact, the 2026 FOP Advocacy Series will focus on Hobbies & Recreation. We’re exploring how individuals and families in the FOP Community navigate interests and activities in ways that work for them. Throughout June and July, FOP Community members will share experiences, practical advice, and personal stories around the power of hobbies and recreation.
Learning from Firsthand Experiences
One of the most valuable aspects of the Advocacy Series is hearing directly from people who understand life with FOP firsthand.
Across podcasts, webinars, and community discussions, participants will share experiences around:
- Finding activities that align with individual interests and physical abilities
- Navigating accessibility and mobility challenges
- Learning how to advocate and educate others about FOP
- Discovering how hobbies and recreation can positively affect daily life
For family members in particular, activities and recreation can sometimes raise additional questions and concerns. Sports, school hobbies, and activities often involve balancing safety considerations with opportunities for learning, connection, and enjoyment.
This year’s blog content and Adult Community Panel will include perspectives from community members and families who will discuss how they found the right activity and what participation in recreation has meant for their families.
A first look at this year’s series
The series will feature several opportunities to hear from both community members and subject-matter experts.
An upcoming podcast will feature FOP Community member Daniel Licht alongside his personal trainer Joel Beasley, a strength and performance expert. Together with Melissa Davis, IFOPA Family & Provider Support Coordinator, they will discuss Daniel’s experience with exercise and what staying active means to him.
The conversation goes beyond traditional ideas of fitness and explores a larger question many individuals with FOP may consider: What does recreation and movement look like for me?
Upcoming webinars will also focus on adaptive solutions and practical tools to help individuals engage in the activities they enjoy.
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 WEBINAR | Gaming and FOP: The first of our two webinars will explore adaptive gaming and include community members sharing their experiences with video games and computer games. You’ll hear from Drew Redepenning from Gaming Readapted, and FOP Community members Justin Henke and Joe Suchanek as they discuss the role video and computer games play in their lives. They’ll also share tips on adaptive gaming strategies and equipment.
Learn more and register for Gaming and FOP here.
SUNDAY, JULY 26 WEBINAR | Passion & Purpose in Daily Life: In our second subject-matter expert webinar, we’ll focus on the psychology behind cultivating purpose and passion through hobbies and recreational activities while living with FOP as we hear from Dr. Sumira Riaz, a Chartered Psychologist and Registered Health Psychologist.
This session will explore our fundamental need for social connection and how meaningful activities can foster fulfillment and a sense of belonging. She’ll also share insights on how engaging in enjoyable activities can enhance overall quality of life, not only for the individual, but within their broader support system and community.
Learn more and register for Passion & Purpose in Daily Life here.
Practical tools for better problem solving
The Advocacy Series was created to help people and families overcome barriers to receiving support and access by learning from others and discussing practical solutions for everyday life with FOP.
Community panels and webinars will be hosted on Zoom, with AI translation available in more than 60 languages to help increase accessibility and participation across our global community.
Whether you’re a parent looking for guidance, someone living with FOP seeking new ideas, or simply curious to hear how others approach hobbies and recreation, this year’s series aims to provide practical insights and meaningful conversations.
Join the conversation
Hobbies and recreation look different for everyone. Sometimes they create joy. Sometimes they build confidence. Sometimes they open doors for community and connection.
We hope you’ll join us for our Advocacy Series as we learn from each other and explore how hobbies and recreation can help create a well-balanced lifestyle, meaning, and fulfillment in life for individuals living with FOP.
For more information, visit: ifopa.org/advocacy_series
