Differentiating Instruction for Students with Disabilities
Quality adapted physical education involves the physical educator differentiating instruction to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of each individual student. That differentiation might involve the teacher adapting/ modifying the content, process, environment, and/or student assessment. Below we have provided numerous ways that some sports and activities can be modified and/or changed to meet
the needs of each student. The goal is to have students participate in activities where all students can learn and be successful. Check out this great Best Practice called: Disability Awareness in Physical Activity Best Practice Idea.
Adaptations for Specific Activities
General Adaptation Suggestions
Equipment: Larger/lighter bat Use of velcro Larger goal/target Mark positions on playing field Lower goal/target Scoops for catching Vary balls (size, weight, color, texture)
| Rules Prompts, Cues: Demonstrate/model activity Partner assisted Disregard time limits Oral prompt More space between students Eliminate outs/strike-outs Allow ball to remain stationary Allow batter to sit in chair Place student with disability near teacher
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Boundary/Playing Field: Decrease distance Use well-defined boundaries Simplify patterns Adapt playing area (smaller, obstacles removed)
| Actions: Change locomotor patterns Modify grasps Modify body positions Reduce number of actions Use different body parts
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Time: Vary the tempo Slow the activity pace Lengthen the time Shorten the time Provide frequent rest periods
| Bowling Simplify/reduce the number of steps Use two hands instead of one Remain in stationary position Use a ramp Use a partner Give continuous verbal cues
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Basketball Use various size balls (size, weight, texture, color) Allow travelling Allow two hand dribble Disregard three second lane violation Use larger/lower goal Slow the pace, especially when first learning If student uses wheelchair, allow him to hold ball on his lap while pushing wheelchair Use beeper ball, radio under basket for individual with visual impairment
| Golf Use a club with a larger head Use shorter/lighter club Use colored/larger balls Practice without a ball Use tee for all shots Shorten distance to hole
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Soccer Use walking instead of running Have well defined boundaries Reduce playing area Play six-a-side soccer If student uses a wheelchair, allow him to hold ball on his lap while pushing the wheelchair Use a deflated ball, nerf ball, beeper ball, brightly colored ball Use a target that makes noise when hit
| Softball Use velcro balls and mitts Use larger or smaller bats Use a batting tee Reduce the base distances Use Incrediballs Shorten the pitching distance If individual is in wheelchair, allow them to push ball off ramp, off lap, or from tee Use beeper balls Provide a peer to assist Players without disabilities play regular depth defense Students without disabilities count to ten before tagging out person with disability
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Volleyball Use larger, lighter, softer, bright colored balls Allow players to catch ball instead of volleying Allow student to self toss and set ball Lower the net Reduce the playing court Stand closer to net on serve Allow ball to bounce first Hold ball and have student hit it
| Tennis Use larger, lighter balls Use shorter, lighter racquets Use larger head racquets Slow down the ball Lower the net or do not use a net Use brightly colored balls Hit ball off tee Allow a drop serve Stand closer to net on serve Do not use service court Use a peer for assistance
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Return to Adapted PE Section
Looking for the best adapted and inclusive PE games for your students? Adapted physical education involves PE games and activities that have been modified to accommodate student…
Looking for the best adapted and inclusive PE games for your students? Adapted physical education involves PE games and activities that have been modified to accommodate students with disabilities or who have gross motor delays.
Looking
for the best adapted and inclusive PE games for your students? Adapted physical education involves PE games and activities that have been modified to accommodate students with disabilities or who have gross motor delays.
How do you include a student with special needs in PE?
The following strategies will help you build a more inclusive environment:.
Talk to your class about inclusion. ... .
Use “People First” language. ... .
Get to know your students. ... .
Consult with specialists. ... .
Engage your students when adapting activities. ... .
Adapting rules and instructions. ... .
Modify activities..
How do you adapt PE for students with disabilities?
Shorten distance and playing area. Allow more rest periods. Change movement requirements to reduce activity time. Allow student to sit while playing.
What are some activities in physical education?
These include:.
Walking..
Dancing..
Swimming..
Water aerobics..
Jogging and running..
Aerobic exercise classes..
Bicycle riding (stationary or on a path).
Some gardening activities, such as raking and pushing a lawn mower..
Why is physical activity important for special needs?
Physical activity for children with movement disabilities is essential in maintaining mobility as they grow and develop. With enhanced physical health, children can better fight obesity and the associated health complications that may follow. Exercise and physical activity can also improve general mood and wellness.