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Vol. 8, No. 4 Fall 2000 |
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Adapted Physical Education
By Amy Bowles, AT Specialist
Federal Law (PL 94-142, PL 101-476, PL 105-17) mandates that physical education be provided to students with disabilities. Adapted Physical Education (APE) adapts or modifies the curriculum, task, and/or environment so that all students can participate fully in physical education.
The following suggestions give ways that teachers can modify different sports so that students with special needs can participate with regular education students.
Basketball is a popular sport for students of all ages. A more brightly
colored ball or a ball that makes noise allows a student with a visual impairment
to locate the ball during play. If a child in a wheelchair is part of the
class, the rules could be modified to allow the student to "dribble"
the ball by carrying it in his/her lap since propelling the wheelchair down
the court takes both hands. Other adaptations might include lowering the
goal or making it larger.
A student with a weak grasp or a lack of fine or gross motor control need not be excluded from the game of golf. The club grip could be adapted by making it larger or smaller as necessary. Or a club with a larger head might be another option. Tees could be used for all shots, and the distance to the hole could be shortened if needed.
Volleyball can also be adapted for people with varying disabilities. The teacher could hold the ball and have the student hit it. Additionally, having the student stand closer to the net to serve and reducing the playing court are other possible adaptations.
Adapting softball for people with varying disabilities offers many different options. Again, for someone with a visual impairment, a ball that makes noise or that is larger or more brightly colored may prove to be beneficial. For someone with a physical disability, the base distances could be reduced, the pitching distance could be shortened, or a batting tee could be used. Adapted bats (larger, smaller, or lighter) could be used and so could velcro bats and gloves.
These are just a few of the suggestions from the physical education website www.pe.central.vt.edu (website no longer active). This particular website also has links to other adapted physical education websites and is a great information resource. Other places to look include: www.proteacher.com; Flaghouse Recreation Catalog, Abilitations Catalog, and Play with a Purpose Catalog
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact your local ATRC.
