Adapted physical education.Meaningful participation.Shared experiences.

Adaptive PE and adapted physical education

You may see families use “adaptive PE” and schools use “adapted physical education,” or APE. Federal IDEA regulations include adapted physical education within the definition of physical education. Individual school services are determined through the appropriate evaluation and educational planning process.

Plan around the activity and the student

Begin with the purpose of the lesson. Is the group practicing a motor skill, cooperating with a partner or learning a game? Ask the student and their team what would make that activity more accessible. Adaptations should support the learning purpose and the individual student, rather than assigning one activity to everyone with the same diagnosis.

• Space: consider surface, travel distance and room to move
• Equipment: explore appropriate size, weight, texture or target height
• Instructions: combine clear explanations with demonstrations or visual steps
• Pacing: allow time for preparation, communication and recovery
• Participation: offer meaningful choices within the shared activity

Make communication part of the plan

Before a lesson, consider how the student can ask a question, choose a partner, request help, comment and say they want to stop. Keep their usual communication system available and ask the team which supports are appropriate for the setting. A communication plan should allow more than answering an adult’s questions.

Questions to bring to the school team

What is the student currently doing in PE? Which parts are accessible, and where is additional support needed? What information is available from the PE teacher and relevant specialists? How can the student express preferences? These questions help start a specific conversation about participation without assuming a particular service decision.

AU resources in development

AU is developing adaptive sports books, classroom activities and curriculum resources through Adaptive All-Stars. These materials are being designed around disability representation, communication access and meaningful participation. Product availability and licensing details will be shared when the resources are ready.