What is Adapted Physical Education ? HPS 468 Dr. Joe G. Schmalfeldt

APE Definition Adaptive physical education is a diversified program of developmental activities, games, sports, and rhythms suited to the interests, capacities, and limitations of students with disabilities who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted participation in various activities of the general physical education program

APE Definition Adapted physical education is alternative physical education for students with disabilities who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted participation in the vigorous activities of the regular physical education program on a full-time basis.

Inclusive APE is a direct service which offers instruction to eligible students in a variety of settings with non disabled peers. This service is provided by an APE specialist and is based on the student’s IEP.

Federal & State Laws, Acts, and Regulations

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act P.L (1973)

Education for all Handicapped Children Act P.L (1975)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Public Law (1997) SERS/IDEA/the_law.html

NM Laws dealing with Special Education and/or Adapted PE? ?

Similarities among the Laws/Acts: 1. Equity of services 2. Accessibility to environments 3. Accommodation for the disabling condition 4. Encouragement of integration

APE specialists and others who instruct handicapped/disabled students should have the following 6 competencies: 1- Understand and can apply proper 1st aid & safety procedures during PE classes for handicapped/disabled students.

APE specialists and others who instruct handicapped/disabled students should have the following 6 competencies: 2- Understand the effect of physical activities on the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of handicapped/disabled students.

APE specialists and others who instruct handicapped/disabled students should have the following 6 competencies: 3- Understand basic principles of normal & abnormal growth and development.

APE specialists and others who instruct handicapped/disabled students should have the following 6 competencies: 4- Can modify traditional PE activities, learning environment and equipment to meet the needs of handicapped/disabled students in all PE settings.

APE specialists and others who instruct handicapped/disabled students should have the following 6 competencies: 5- Can use a variety of motivational and reinforcement techniques to enhance the handicapped/disabled student on-task behaviors.

APE specialists and others who instruct handicapped/disabled students should have the following 6 competencies: 6- Understands specific handicapping/disabling conditions which may affect motor performance of handicapped/disabled students.

Most prevalent handicapping/disabling conditions in public schools 1. Learning Disabled (LD) 2. Speech Impaired (SI) 3. Mentally Retarded (MR) 4. Emotional/Behavioral Disability (EBD)

Least restrictive environment (LRE) A. The least restrictive environment means that the education of children with disabilities should take place in the presence of non-disabled children whenever possible.

Least restrictive environment (LRE) B. Teaching disabled children skills that allow participation with nondisabled children in normal settings and reevaluating their progress toward this goal periodically will contribute to placement in less restrictive environments.