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    • Current Projects >
      • Active Equipment Library Program
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  • Advocacy
    • Importance of Physical Education
    • What is Quality Physical Education?
    • "No Excuses!" Documentary
    • Advocacy Guidelines and Resources
    • Research on the Benefits of Physical Activity for Schools
    • Importance of Recess, Play, and Active Classrooms
  • Pedagogy
    • Physical Education Pedagogy >
      • General Strategies
      • Adapted Physical Education
      • English Language Learners
      • Cross Disciplinary Examples
      • Facilitating Discussions and Debriefs
      • Miscellaneous Articles and Videos
    • Physical Education Pedagogy Continued >
      • Social and Emotional Learning
      • Social Justice and Diversity
      • Growth Mindset
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      • Advice for New Teachers
    • Assessment >
      • Assessment in Physical Education
      • Rubrics for Assessment
      • Grading in Physical Education
      • Fitnessgram Guidelines and Resources
    • Class Management >
      • Class Management Overview
      • Class Management Videos
      • Tools for Assessing Behavior
      • Techniques for Forming Groups
    • Planning >
      • Planning Physical Education Units
      • Domains of Learning
      • Teaching Styles in Physical Education
      • Instructional Models in Physical Education
  • Resources
    • Physical Education >
      • Activities and Lessons
      • Physical Education Related Organizations
      • Physical Education DIY and Hacks
      • National Observances Related to Physical Education
      • Safety Related Resources
    • Fitness >
      • Activity Promotion and Adherence
      • Creative Fitness Activities
      • Stress Management Techniques
      • Health, Fitness, and Nutrition Resources
    • Instructional Videos >
      • Icebreakers, Teambuilding, and Conflict Resolution Videos
      • Instructional Dance Videos
      • Dance Resources
    • Professional Development >
      • Information and Resources for Professional Development
      • Social Media Resources
      • Teaching Evaluation Forms
    • Technology >
      • Technology in Physical Education
      • Online Resources
      • Mobile Apps
      • Projector Uses in Physical Education
      • AI Uses in Physical Education
      • 360 Degrees, AR, and VR >
        • 360 Degree Photos/Videos in Physical Education
        • Augmented Reality in Physical Education
        • Virtual Reality in Physical Education
  • ​Welcome
    • About Us
    • Join the Coalition for Quality Physical Education
    • For Parents and Administrators
    • Search and Sitemap
  • Service
    • Current Projects >
      • Active Equipment Library Program
      • PETE Doctoral Program DIrectory
      • Zambia Project
    • Completed Projects >
      • Paradise U Project​
      • SPARTAN Races
      • Teacher Appreciation
      • Other Projects
  • Advocacy
    • Importance of Physical Education
    • What is Quality Physical Education?
    • "No Excuses!" Documentary
    • Advocacy Guidelines and Resources
    • Research on the Benefits of Physical Activity for Schools
    • Importance of Recess, Play, and Active Classrooms
  • Pedagogy
    • Physical Education Pedagogy >
      • General Strategies
      • Adapted Physical Education
      • English Language Learners
      • Cross Disciplinary Examples
      • Facilitating Discussions and Debriefs
      • Miscellaneous Articles and Videos
    • Physical Education Pedagogy Continued >
      • Social and Emotional Learning
      • Social Justice and Diversity
      • Growth Mindset
      • Engaging Families
      • Advice for New Teachers
    • Assessment >
      • Assessment in Physical Education
      • Rubrics for Assessment
      • Grading in Physical Education
      • Fitnessgram Guidelines and Resources
    • Class Management >
      • Class Management Overview
      • Class Management Videos
      • Tools for Assessing Behavior
      • Techniques for Forming Groups
    • Planning >
      • Planning Physical Education Units
      • Domains of Learning
      • Teaching Styles in Physical Education
      • Instructional Models in Physical Education
  • Resources
    • Physical Education >
      • Activities and Lessons
      • Physical Education Related Organizations
      • Physical Education DIY and Hacks
      • National Observances Related to Physical Education
      • Safety Related Resources
    • Fitness >
      • Activity Promotion and Adherence
      • Creative Fitness Activities
      • Stress Management Techniques
      • Health, Fitness, and Nutrition Resources
    • Instructional Videos >
      • Icebreakers, Teambuilding, and Conflict Resolution Videos
      • Instructional Dance Videos
      • Dance Resources
    • Professional Development >
      • Information and Resources for Professional Development
      • Social Media Resources
      • Teaching Evaluation Forms
    • Technology >
      • Technology in Physical Education
      • Online Resources
      • Mobile Apps
      • Projector Uses in Physical Education
      • AI Uses in Physical Education
      • 360 Degrees, AR, and VR >
        • 360 Degree Photos/Videos in Physical Education
        • Augmented Reality in Physical Education
        • Virtual Reality in Physical Education
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YOUR CART

Adapted Physical Education


​​Adapted Physical Education (APE) is physical education that has been modified to fit the needs of individuals with various physical and intellectual disabilities.

Students receive Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) that indicate the support needed to enhance the psychomotor, cognitive, affective, and health related domains. In some circumstances the APE teacher works alongside a Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist in their school/community to implement evidence-based practices.

APE also utilizes the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) approach, which states that learners with disabilities must be taught in the least restrictive environment in order to be successful. This can range from full inclusion in a traditional class to teaching in a one on one setting. 

Factors Affecting Performance in Physical Education:
  • Ability to Focus
  • Age
  • Cognitive Understanding
  • Disability Contraindications
  • Experience
  • Health Related Fitness
  • Self-Resonsibility/Control
  • Sensory Perception
  • Skill Related Fitness
  • Skill Specific Abilities​

APE at Green Lake Elementary
Types of placement and the IEP
  • How to Make IEP Meetings More Effective​
  • IEP Process for APE​
  • ​​IEP Roadmap for Physical Education
  • Understanding the Individual Education Plan in Physical Education
Picture
Open as PDF

SHAPE America Appropriate Practices
  • 1.6.1 Physical educators implement the special education process for students with disabilities as outlined in their individualized education programs and/or the school’s accommodations.

  • 1.6.2 Lessons/activities are adapted for overweight students (e.g., distance and pace runs are made more appropriate). Students are encouraged to undertake appropriate levels of activity for their own improvement.​

  • 1.6.3 Physical educators provide appropriate experiences for students with temporary medical limitations (e.g., a student with a broken arm can ride an exercise bike). 
​TEACHING STRATEGIES
  • Bring in guest speakers to talk about their disabilities, the challenges they face, how they overcome these challenges, and their abilities and accomplishments.

  • Create a positive atmosphere with a growth mindset. Negative attitudes is a big barrier to physical activity and attempts.

  • Create an inclusive atmosphere that bonds students with and without disabilities (ie. peer mentors or unified PE).

  • Get to know the individual students and their support system: students’ sibling(s), parent(s), paraeducator, special education teacher, occupational therapist, communication therapist, physical therapist, etc.

  • Have high expectations for your students and don’t underestimate their abilities.

  • ​Know what the law requires and advocate for the rights of Individuals with Disabilities.

  • Learn about the various disabilities at your school. Recognize the characteristics of each disability, limitations and restrictions, and modifications.

  • Provide instruction in multiple modalities: visual (pictures, demonstrations, task cards), audio (adjust speed and tone, sign language), and kinesthetic (physically assist students in activity).

  • Stay up to date with current practices and programs.​

  • Use assistance when needed: peer-tutor, paraeducator, interpreter, etc.

  • Utilize visual aids, "check-off" or "to-do" lists, "this then that" cards, schedules, guides, whiteboards, and routines.

GENERAL MODIFICATIONS
  • Australian Sports Commission - How the Change It
  • Inclusive PE Lessons
  • ​​​​Let's Play - Modifications and Adaptations
  • ​​PECentral - Adaptations
  • Planning for Differentiation​​​​
How to modify physical activities
Open as PDF

SPECIFIC MODIFICATIONS
DIY
  • Bridging Ability and Activity Through Assistive Technology in Adapted Physical Education
  • D.I.Y. Adapted Sports Equipment​
  • D.I.Y. Modifications for APE
  • Just Adapt It
Autism
  • ​7 Tips for Including Kids with Autism in PE
  • Adaptations for Students with Autism in General PE
  • High Quality Physical Education for Pupils with Autism Booklet
  • Implications for Teaching PE to Children with ASD​
  • Including Children with Autism in General Physical Education: Eight Possible Solutions​​​​
  • PE Visuals and Schedules for Special Education
  • Physical Education for Students with Autism
  • Strategies for Teaching Children with Autism in PE

​​Hearing
  • Ensuring the Success of Deaf Students in Inclusive Physical Education
  • Physical Education Adaptations and Benefits for Deaf Students
  • Physical Education and Sport Adaptations for Students Who Are Hard of Hearing
  • Sign Language GIFs for Sports​
  • Tips for Teaching Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
  • Top 6 Physical Education Considerations for Students With Hearing Loss​​​

​​Vision
  • 5 Tips for Including Students w/Visual Impairments
  • Do You See What I See?
  • Including Children with Visual Impairments in Athletics
  • Inclusive Practices in Physical Education Considerations for Students With Dyslexia
  • PE for Children with Visual Impairment or Blindness
  • Physical Education Adaptations for Visually Impaired
  • Physical Education for Students with Visual Impairments​​
  • Staff Training for PE for Children With Visual Impairments
  • Supporting Dyslexic Pupils in P.E.
  • Vision Impaired Physical Education Guide

PARAPROFESSIONALS

  • Motivating Paraeducators to Be Actively Involved in Physical Education Programs
  • Paraeducator in Physical Education
  • Paraprofessional Training Webinar
  • ​​​Physical Educator’s Guide for Working with Paraprofessionals​​
  • Working with Paraeducators in the Physical Education Program
ACTIVITIES AND LESSONS
General Activities
  • Adapted Physical Activity Youtube Channel
  • Adapted Physical Education Youtube Channel​​​​​
  • ​​Heartland Area Education Agency​​​​

Adapted Sports
  • Goalball (USABA)
  • Inclusive Baseball (USA Baseball)
  • ​International Blind Sports Federation
  • ​National Wheelchair Basketball Association
  • ​​Special Olympics
  • United States Wheelchair Rugby Association
  • USA Hockey Disabled Coaching Manual​​
  • Sitting Volleyball (USA Volleyball)
  • Track and Field (NHFS)
  • Walking (Field) Hockey (USA Field Hockey)
  • ​​Wheelchair Curling (Curling Canada)
  • Wheelchair Football (AAASP)
  • Wheelchair Handball (AAASP)​

Sports Series (Playlist)


Inclusive Fitness (Playlist​)


DISABILITY AWARENESS Activities
  • ​​Disability Awareness Activities Packet
  • ​Disability Awareness in Physical Activity
  • Disability Awareness Resources​​​​
  • ​Empathy and Inclusiveness Hyperdoc
  • ​How to Introduce Lessons on Disability​​

Understanding Autism

What ADHD Feels Like

INCLUSION
Websites
  • ​​​Camp Abilities
  • CDC
  • ​​​Commit to Inclusion​​​
  • ​SpreadTheWordInclusion
  • Unified Physical Education (SHAPE America)

​Articles and Guides
  • 50 Tips and Tricks to Facilitating a More Inclusive Classroom
  • ​​Are Physical Educators TRULY Including All Students?
  • Disability-Centred Movement: Supporting Inclusive Physical Education
  • ​​Discover Inclusive PE: A Guidebook for Educators​​
  • ​Doing Social Justice: 10 Reasons to Give Up Ableist Language​​
  • Including All Children: Health for Kids w/Disability
  • ​​Inclusive School PE and Physical Activity
  • ​​Making the PE Environment Handicap Accessible​​
  • ​​Reverse Inclusion Adapted Physical Education (video)
  • ​​Tools to Support Inclusive PE in Your School​
  • ​Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Adapted Physical Education: Inclusivity Beyond Barriers​​​​​​​

Mary's Top 10: Communication Tips


Camp Abilities

APE websites
Websites
  • ​Adapted Physical Education National Standards
  • ​CMS Adapted PE
  • ​​Lavelle Resources for Children with Moderate and Severe Disabilities
  • National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability
  • ​​National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals w/Disabilities
  • PECentral APE Information and Resources
  • SHAPE America's APE Teacher’s Toolbox​
  • ​​​Special Education Homepage (Edutopia)
  • Special Needs Fact Sheets
  • ​​ToolKit4PE

Youtube Channels
  • Adapted Physical Activity
  • ​​Easy Adapted PE
  • "How To" Video Series
  • ​​Inspirational Video Playlist
  • ​Kim Catalfamo
  • Kristi Roth
  • ​Long Beach State APE

BLOGS, JOURNALS, and podcasts
  • Check our Professional Development page for a list of these resources.

Resources Used for this Page
  • ​Thanks to Jordan Weber for helping create this page.


Promoting Quality Physical Education through Advocacy ​​​and Free Access to Information and Resources