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All students, regardless of ability, should get the recommended 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity. Schools can help all students meet this recommendation by providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities.
Inclusion at school means that regardless of ability or disability, a student has the right to be a valued member of the school community. It means students participate in school activities, interact with their peers, and develop friendships.
Physical Education Class should be no different and must include students with disabilities in regular PE classes. As with other general education environments, teaching methodologies, equipment, and assessments must be adapted to meet the needs of all students.
Yes! Federal law requires schools to provide students, with and without disabilities, equal opportunity to participate in physical education and activity. This applies to kids with any type of disability including those with physical disabilities.
Here are some resource links and quotes from the CDC:
Inclusive or adaptive physical education should be offered in the student’s least restrictive environment. Students with disabilities must be included to the maximum extent possible in the general physical education program. A continuum of placement options might include one or more of the following:
Supplementary aids, supports and modifications must be tried before placing a student in a more restrictive setting.
Your child’s IEP or 504 team will be responsible for determining their inclusive/adaptive PE needs.
If it is thought that a student needs Adaptive Physical Education (APE), an APE evaluation must take place. The evaluations should help identify the activity needs of your child. As with any IEP/504 evaluation or meeting, the parent should be involved as part of the team.
PE Goals should be developed if eligibility for Adapted PE is determined.
Physical education and activity can be an extremely important piece of an IEP or 504 plan. Physical activity can help relieve stress, anxiety, and physical tension. It can help with motor skills, focus, and general mood.
If your child is not being included in daily physical activity, while their peers are, you should speak to your child’s team about inclusion. If you are struggling to get your child the physical education and activity they should be receiving, please get in touch with me for a free initial consultation.
Leah Sansone, M.Ed. | 919-510-3180
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