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.

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. 

Continuum of Services in 

Adapted Physical Education (APE)

Adapted Physical Education and the Law

Assistive Technology in 

Adapted Physical Education