Modified Equipment and Assistive Technology for

Physical Education

2014 DPS Inclusive Physical Education Workshop

David Martinez, M.A., CAPE, CDSS2009 National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the

Year

Amy Aenchbacher, Ed.S., CAPE, CDSS2010 GAHPERD Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the

Year

Legal Reference to Physical Education

Public Law 101-336The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates

accessibility to all public buildings, including educational and recreational facilities. Facilities are required to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may include: Changing rules, policies, and practices Removal of architectural, transportation, and communication barriers Provision of auxiliary aids and services

(National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, 2006).

Public Law 108-446The Individuals with DisabilitiesEducation Improvement Act (IDEIA),states that the physical education program is responsiblefor the development of physical fitness; motor fitness;fundamental motor skills and patterns; and skills inaquatics, dance, and individual group games and sports.

IDEIA mandates that appropriate physical educationprograms, specially designed if necessary, be madeavailable to every childreceiving special education services.

The IDEA requires:

That the child will receive a free appropriate public education in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

Instruction in a LRE refers to adapting or modifying the physical education curriculum and/or instruction to address the individualized abilities of each child.

Assistive TechnologyAny item, piece of equipment, or product (commercial, modified, or customized) that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

“So much of what we do in the area of homemade modified equipment falls under the definition of assistive technology.” - Dr. Tim Davis (APENS Chair)

Modified Hockey Stick

Modified Bowling Ball Pusher

PVC Ball Ramp

Commercial Bowling Ramps-$140.00

Tabletop Bowling Ramp