When you have children in your physical education class who have limited mobility due to disabilities or injuries, the responsibility of finding ways to include them often falls on the teacher's shoulders. If a school doesn't have an adaptive P.E. program, finding ways to ensure that disabled children have a chance to play and stay fit with the other kids can be a challenge. By assessing their abilities, you can make small changes that make a big difference in their involvement in P.E. class.
Adapted Equipment
Acquiring adaptive equipment for disabled children can help them have an authentic P.E. experience and allow them to feel included with their peers. For instance, a regulation bat might be too heavy or small to hold, but a larger plastic bat works well. Using various sizes of balls also can help a child with limited mobility participate in soccer. A badminton racket wrapped with tape or a towel might be easier to hold. Think of ways to make a game or sport more accessible to kids with disabilities to avoid taking them out of a typical P.E. class altogether.
Slower Pacing
A slower-paced game or sport can help a child with disabilities catch up and be included. Offering rest periods, making for shorter games and slowing down game play, allows children to play at their own pace while taking their disabilities into consideration. If you have other children in the class that you need to be considerate of, vary the pacing of the game so that children without disabilities still have the benefit of the proper pacing for the game or sport.
Changing Rules
You can change the rules for simple games and sports to allow children with abilities to participate. For instance, while playing baseball, the pitcher can move forward or the three-strike rule is removed when a child with a disability is at bat. If you have a wheelchair-bound child joining a game of soccer, allow him to use his lap to carry the ball around the field, or allow traveling in basketball. This also provides the chance for a frank discussion with the other children in your class concerning disabilities and acceptance.
Playing Area
An oversize playing area presents challenges for children with reduced mobility. Shrinking the playing area and adapting the rules accordingly often adds to a more exciting game that every child can play. For instance, four-square volleyball, in which the court is divided into quarters, makes the space smaller, as does half-court basketball. When playing net sports such as tennis or badminton, you might have children play closer to the net. This allows the disabled child to participate in a capacity that makes her comfortable.
