The Role of the Adapted Physical Educator - Part 1

This session will examine the need to address challenges that students with disabilities may experience in physical education. The session leaders will provide background on the underlying reasons why students might have motor delays affecting access to the physical education curriculum and how to address the needs identified by the IEP team. In addition, the collaborative relationship between education staff, adapted physical education, and occupational and physical therapy will be emphasized to help students maximize function, mobility, and self-confidence. The training will also include practical strategies for the classroom, playground, and physical education environments to adapt activities, incorporate therapeutic strategies, develop strength and coordination, and generalize skills, and will examine successful strategies to provide instructional supports.