Physical educators, including adapted physical educators, are often called upon to advocate for their students with disabilities, their physical education programs, or themselves to affect change in practice or a student's Individualized Education Program. These advocacy efforts are most effective when physical educators are knowledgeable about…

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the limitations of law interpretations and policy regulations as they pertain to inclusion and exclusion of people with physical disabilities in physical education. We believe interpretation of the law has professional implications that must be addressed. Specifically, the ideal and the reality of the laws…

Inclusive physical education and physical activity programs in schools provide equal opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. All students, regardless of ability, should get the recommended 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity. Schools can help them meet this recommendation. This brief is for state education and…

Physical education teachers are often focused on the many benefits of physical education to students, but there must also be a consideration of risk. How can the risks in physical education be minimized to maximize the benefits? One way to accomplish this goal is to increase physical educators' understanding of the legal risks related to…

Disabilities are commonly conceptualized in dualistic ways--specifically as mental or physical in nature and as located in the self rather than in the "other" or "out there." In this essay I reflect on the consequences of a more holistic understanding of both handicaps and special education. This new approach, I suggest, would…

Public concern over the general health of children in the United States has risen during recent years due to dramatic decreases in physical activity levels and increases in obesity and other health-related issues. This article examines the participation of students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, particularly athletic activities,…

Federal legislation has influenced the practice of physical education for students with disabilities for over 30 years. The purpose of this article is to create greater awareness and understanding relative to the laws concerning the assessment of fitness and motor skills of students with disabilities. The article reviews the intentions and…

This book contains practical information that reflects new developments in sports participation for individuals with disabilities. The focus is on meeting the challenges of the outdoor environment, learning through appropriate and safe play, and keeping fit through active leisure. Specifics include practical aspects of camping and outdoor…

Describes the inclusion of students with disabilities into general education classes in the United States, focusing on physical education and examining relevant legislation and applications to physical education. A rebuttal asserts that physical educators must "let go of historical rhetoric," suggesting that guidelines and legislation…

The article describes the major titles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discusses who is affected, explaining how the ADA affects youth sport programs. The terms "readily accessible,""readily achievable," and "undue burden" are discussed according to their ADA definitions and their effect on youth…

This study examined the effects of personal accountability and personal responsibility instructional treatments on elementary-age, urban, at-risk physical education students. A multiple treatment (ABAD, ACAD, ADA, control) behavior-analysis design was implemented across four distinct matched class settings to determine the separate and combined…