Adapted P.E.

Adapted physical education is the art and science of developing, implementing, and monitoring a carefully designed physical education. Instructional program for a learner with a disability, based on a comprehensive assessment, to give the learner the skills necessary for a lifetime of rich leisure, recreation, and sport experiences to enhance physical fitness and wellness. Principles and Methods of Adapted Physical Education and Recreation.

click images below for adapted pe activities

SHAPE America resources

wheel chair boxing & weights

equipment adaptations

Adapted pe lessons

wheel chair sports & PE

leisure activities

Adapted pe google drive

the ot toolbox

visual supports

santa ana adaptive pe video playlist

Inclusion in Physical Education

The last leg of our journey, but one of the most important relates to the topic of inclusion. While you may be able to plan, instruct and assess a fantastic lesson, if that lesson meets the needs of only a few students in your physical education class, then it was not a successful lesson. As our society continues to change, we are seeing more and more students with exceptional needs in our classroom, which means, as teachers we need to be able to create inclusive environments in every subject, including physical education. So, how do you do that? I encourage you to fully explore this last page, as it is filled with fantastic resources and supports related to inclusive teaching in physical education classrooms.

Universal Design

Julie Mueller (2011) cites Liberman and Houston-Wilson (2009) when talking about the concept of Universal Design. Lieberman and Houston-Wilson (2009) state, "universal design means that the physical, social and learning environments are designed so that diverse learners are supported through powerful possibilities for teaching and learning". According to the text, universal design will often eliminate the need for differentiation as the lesson and environment are already considering a wide range of abilities and experiences. The following list shows six instructional methods that help implement the principles of universal design.
1. Inclusiveness: the environment and teaching styles respect and value diversity
2. Physical Access: the instructional field (e.g., gymnasium, playing field, facility) are clear and easily accessible; a wide variety of equipment is available and utilized
3. Delivery Modes: a variety of methods are used to instruct, multiple methods in a single lesson (e.g., posters, explanations, discussions, videos, hands-on activities, etc.)
4. Interaction: time and opportunity for interaction is included at a variety of levels (e.g., teacher-student, student-student, expert-novice, etc.)
5. Feedback: specific feedback is given promptly and in an encouraging manner, effective prompting and cues are used to ensure success
6. Assessment: students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways

For more information about Universal Design, or other inclusive instruction methods such as differentiated instruction or the tiered approach, you can refer to the following Ministry of Education document titled "Learning for All- A Guide to Effective Assessment and Instruction for All Students, Kindergarten to Grade 12" or check out a Powerpoint presentation by Julie Mueller (2013) regarding inclusive health and physical education programs.

Accommodations and Modifications in Physical Education

adapted physical education site

adapted pe google drive

Accommodations

Accommodations are changes that do not alter the curriculum. They are changes in how the lesson is delivered, the amount of support provided and how the student demonstrates learning. Three common types of accommodations are:
- Instruction accommodations: teaching strategies in terms of presentation, organization, technology or multimedia
- Environmental accommodations: alterations of environment such as type of equipment used, size of playing field, etc.
- Assessment accommodations: changes in the assessment procedures, time or method, amount, etc.
(Julie Mueller, 2011)

Modifications

According to the document "Growing Success" (2010), "modifications are changes to the grade-level expectations for a subject or course in order to meet a student's learning needs." In relation to physical education, modifications could be made in the following ways:
- curriculum expectations
- equipment used
- rules which the child must follow
- instructions
- environment
(Julie Mueller, 2011)

Addressing Specific Needs in Physical Education

While we can strive to teach using universal design and try to develop the most inclusive program possible, there are some exceptionalities that may require specific modifications to ensure the success of the child. The following chart will help provide insight into a variety of exceptionalities that require specific modifications.

Intellectual Disability

- set challenging yet attainable goal
- provide additional time
- use demonstration rather then verbalization
- reward trying

Visual Impairment

- brightly colored equipment
- clear verbal instructions
- physical guidance and support

Hearing Impairment

- reduce ambient noise when giving instructions
- ensure the student can see the person giving instructions
- arrange for a buddy to repeat instructions
- be aware of balance issues

Physical Disabilities

- focus on what the child can do
- encourage independence as much as possible
- create least restrictive environment
- Cushion surfaces if falling is possible

Balance/ Agility Difficulties

- increase base of support (spread feet)
- ensure floor has friction
- provide balance supports (wall, chair, etc.)
- increase width of lines and beams to balance on