I chose to cover the topic of adaptive physical education. I have broken it down into different questions I had in mind and the answer to each question. I feel that so many people look ad think about students with disability in the classroom setting. I thought it would be important to take a look at another atmosphere that the child would be placed in the school that could create a difficult situation and how it would/could be handled. I hope you like it :)
The term "adapted" means the process of modifying a program or service delivery to meet the needs of the student. As in other areas of the regular education program, adaptations can be made in the regular physical education program to allow a student to access the general curriculum and to meet academic standards. These adaptations do not require special education and can be provided to any student with or without a disability. Physical education means the development of physical and motor skills. Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this part, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction.
When is physical education considered to be special education?
The IEP team may decide the child needs specially designed physical education to address theunique needs of the child that result from the child’s disability. For some children, specially designed physical education may be the only special education service included on the IEP. For other children, specially designed physical education may be included on the child’s IEP in addition to other special education services. The IEP team also considers whether the child needs any other services such as related services or supplementary aids and services.
Must physical education be made available to all children with disabilities?
Yes, if children without disabilities in the same grade receive physical education. Federal regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) state:
1.) Physical education services, specially designed if necessary, must be made available to every child with a disability receiving a free appropriate public education, unless the public agency enrolls children without disabilities and does not provide physical education to children without disabilities in the same grades.
2.) Each child with a disability must be afforded the opportunity to participate in the regular physical education program available to nondisabled children unless the child is enrolled full time in a separate facility or if the child needs specially designed physical education as prescribed in the child’s IEP
3.) If specially designed physical education is prescribed in a child's IEP, the public agency is responsible for the education of that child must provide the services directly or make arrangements for those services to be provided through other public or private programs.
4.) The public agency responsible for the education of a child with a disability who is enrolled in a separate facility must ensure that the child receives appropriate physical education services in compliance with this section.
Are there any circumstances in which a child with a disability may be exempted or excused from physical education participation?
The school should follow the same process it would use to excuse a student who is not disabled from physical education participation. Exempts from required school attendance any child who is excused by the school board because the child is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program but who can be expected to return to a school program upon termination or abatement of the illness or condition. The school may request the parent or guardian of the child to obtain a written statement from a licensed physician, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist or psychologist. The school board’s excuse shall be in writing and shall state the time period for which it is valid, not to exceed 30 days.
Must the child with a disability receive the same amount of physical education instruction as the student without a disability?
Yes. The child with a disability should receive the same amount of physical education instruction as a child without a disability, unless it is determined by the IEP team that this is not appropriate for the child and this determination is specified in the IEP. A determination to provide a different amount of physical education instruction must be based on a child’s unique needs, not availability of services.
What qualifications must a teacher possess in order to provide specially designed physical education?
Any licensed physical education teacher may legally teach children with disabilities in regular physical education programs, including adapted and specially designed physical education programs. However, licensure in adaptive physical education is required for physical education teachers whose salaries are funded with state or federal special education dollars.
When physical therapy is provided to a child, could this be used to fulfill the physical education program requirement?
No. Physical therapy is a related service whereas physical education is a component of the educational program that is required for all children.
Must a child need specially designed physical education in order to receive occupational therapy or physical therapy?
No. A child may receive occupational therapy or physical therapy when it is required to assist the child to benefit from any special education described in the child's IEP.
Here are some examples of how adaptive physical education can work and what is needed:
Equipment - Larger/lighter bat, Use of Velcro, Larger goal/target, Mark positions on playing field, Lower goal/target, Scoops for catching, Vary balls (size, weight, color, texture)
Time - Vary the tempo, Slow the activity pace, Lengthen the time, Shorten the time, Provide frequent rest periods
Rules and Cues - Demonstrate/model activity, Partner assisted, Disregard time limits, Oral prompt, More space between students, Eliminate outs/strike-outs, Allow ball to remain stationary, Allow batter to sit in chair, Place student with disability near teacher
Actions - Change locomotion patterns, Modify grasps, Modify body positions, Reduce number of actions, Use different body parts
1 comment:
I like physical education program. As in other areas of the regular education program, adaptations physical education can be made in the regular physical education program.
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