P398 - Adapted Physical Education

The objective of P398 is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to confidently plan and implement appropriate physical activity programs for people with disabilities in a variety of settings. Although “education” is in the course title and activity is the focus, the information applies to anyone who will work with people with disabilities in clinical, educational, and other service oriented professions.

Topics addressed include:

1. Review of the etiology, pathology, and rehabilitation/recovery/treatment of various disabling conditions and chronic diseases such as, but not limited to, the following:
Intellectual disabilities (Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, fragile X syndrome), autism spectrum disorders, severe and persistent mental illness, neuromuscular conditions (cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy), musculoskeletal conditions (amputation), traumatic/anoxic/hypoxic/cerebral vascular brain injuries, Deaf/hearing impairments, visual impairments, childhood obesity, diabetes, and seizure disorders.

2. Methods/techniques for working with individuals with various disabling conditions and chronic diseases in educational, clinical and other service oriented settings.

3. Motor and fitness assessment of people with various disabling conditions and chronic diseases.

4. Behavior management and motivation.

5. Laws that affect people with disabilities and service providers.

6. Disability sport, recreation, and how to adapt physical activities to facilitate participation.

The course also has a laboratory requirement. Students are assigned to work one-on-one with a child with a disability. The student and child meet once per week, for approximately 10 weeks during the term. This provides students with invaluable hands-on experience interacting not only with children with disabilities, but also families and care providers.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to apply theory to practice in a supportive learning environment. Previous students have applied the knowledge and practical experiences gained from the course to future careers in medicine (physicians and nurses), physical therapy, occupational therapy, school psychology, clinical psychology, special education, rehabilitation, athletic training, regular education, coaching, fitness, therapeutic recreation, professional childcare (preschool, daycare) and social services.

The course is open to anyone and has no prerequisites. For more information or questions contact Dr. Georgia Frey at gfrey@indiana.edu or 855-1262.