What is Adapted PE?

Proper Terminology

Adapted versus Adaptive: Adapted physical education is the proper term used in federal and State guidelines and all current texts, journals, and websites in the field. The basic idea is that service delivery is adapted while behaviors are adaptive. The general physical education program is adapted to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability through modifications and accommodations. The student is not required to adapt to the program's conditions; the IEP team needs to adapt the curriculum.

What is Adapted Physical Education?

Adapted Physical Education has two parent disciplines, special education and physical education.  Both education services are outlined in The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  

 IDEA Definition

By law, every student is required to participate in a physical education program, specially designed (if necessary), for students with a diagnosed delay and/or disability that significantly and adversely impacts their education in the general setting.  

This specially designed service IS Adapted Physical Education (APE). 

Adapted physical education IS a service, NOT a setting. If a student with a disability requires specialized instruction in physical education to meet their unique needs, it is the responsibility of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the student requires specialized instruction in physical education. (Kristi Roth, Laurie Zittel, Jean Pyfer, David Auxter, 2016).

It is important to note that many students with disabilities do not require or need adapted physical education services. Physical education goals and objectives may not be necessary on some students’ IEP.  These students should participate in general physical education and the required curriculum when appropriate.

NOTE:  It is the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) position, that any student who has unique needs for instruction in physical education, regardless of disability, is entitled to receive appropriate accommodations through adapted physical education.

For all practical purposes, Adapted Physical Education IS developmentally appropriate physical education at its finest. It involves differentiating instruction so the physical activity is as appropriate for the person with a disability as it is for a person without a disability. The emphasis of adapted physical education is to facilitate participation of students with disabilities with typically developing peers in age-appropriate activities. 

Who is Qualified to Teach Adapted Physical Education?

The APE teacher is a direct service provider, not a related service provider, because physical education for children with disabilities is a federally mandated component of special education services [U.S.C.A. 1402 (25)].   

Adapted physical educators provide APE instruction and services to students with disabilities who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (commonly referred to as [IDEA]; IDEA, 2004). They also provide APE services to students who receive accommodations and services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973). They may also provide assistance to physical educators and athletic coaches making reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act ([ADA]; ADA, 1990).  

This means that physical education needs to be provided to the student with a disability as part of the special education services that child and family receive. This is contrasted with physical therapy and occupational therapy, which are related services. These therapies are provided to the child with disabilities only if he/she needs them to benefit from instruction. 

The services provided by an APE teacher include (adapted from Sherrill, 1998):

• Planning services

• Assessment of Individuals /Ecosystems

• Prescription/Placement: The IEP

• Teaching/Counseling/Coaching

• Evaluation of Services

• Coordination of Resources and Consulting

• Advocacy

Qualifications for a Hiring an Adapted PE Teacher (2010)

If specially designed instruction, such as adapted physical education (APE), is required in a student's Individual Education Program (IEP), then the services must be provided by a qualified teacher.  A certified physical educator is legally qualified to provide adapted physical education for students who require specialized physical education as defined in the IEP. 

Adapted Physical Education certification is not required in the State of Illinois.   

However, it is suggested that the teacher providing APE services become Nationally Certified through the National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), earning a CAPE (Certified Adapted Physical Education) certification.  Course work in APE is strongly recommended and additional education and/or experience in special education would be beneficial.

Adapted Physical Education and the Law

Assistive Technology in 

Adapted Physical Education

Adapted PE is

NOT . . .

Physical Therapy