Adapted Physical Education


What is Adapted Physical Education?


Adapted Physical Education is physical education which has been adapted or modified, so that it is as appropriate for the person with a disability as it is for a person without a disability.

Federal law mandates that physical education be provided to students with disabilities and defines Physical Education as the development of:

  • physical and motor skills
  • fundamental motor skills and patterns (throwing, catching, walking, running, etc)
  • skills in aquatics, dance, and individual and group games and sports (including intramural and lifetime sports)

The services provided by an APE teacher may 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
APE Service Delivery Model 2022 Infographic

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)]. 


Forms

Resources

Resources to support distance learning for teachers as they provide mandated minutes for PE & APE