Introduction
Aims and Objectives of Adaptive Physical Education
Adaptive Physical Education aims to cater to the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to physical education programs that are tailored to their specific requirements. It focuses on adapting physical activities to suit the abilities and challenges of each individual, promoting inclusivity and participation.
Organisations Promoting Adaptive Sports
Various organizations, such as Special Olympics Bharat, Paralympics, and Deaflympics, play a crucial role in promoting adaptive sports. These organizations provide platforms for individuals with disabilities to engage in sports activities, showcasing their skills and talents on a global stage.
Concept of Inclusion, its Need and Implementation
Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that individuals with disabilities are fully integrated into society, including educational and recreational settings. It emphasizes the importance of creating environments where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate and contribute meaningfully. Implementation of inclusion involves modifying structures and programs to accommodate diverse needs effectively.
Role of Various Professionals for Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs require support from a range of professionals to address their unique challenges. This includes roles such as counselor, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, physical education teacher, speech therapist, and special educator. Each professional contributes expertise to enhance the holistic development and well-being of the child.
Programmes of Adaptive Physical Education
Special physical education programs are essential for children with disabilities who may face limitations in participating in regular physical education activities. These specialized programs are designed to cater to the specific needs of children with impairments, ensuring they have equal opportunities to develop their physical abilities.
Historical Perspective on Special Physical Education
In the past, special physical education for differently abled children was referred to by various names like Corrective Physical Education. These programs were developed to address the unique requirements of children with disabilities, providing tailored interventions to support their physical development and well-being.
Adapted Physical Education
Introduction
Adapted physical education is a specialized branch of physical education developed for students requiring a tailored program due to disabilities or special needs.
Definition
It encompasses a range of activities, games, sports, and rhythms customized to suit the interests, abilities, and limitations of students with disabilities.
Features of Adapted Physical Education
- Individualized programs focusing on physical fitness, motor skills, aquatic skills, dance, and group sports.
- Designed for safe and successful participation for differently-abled individuals.
- Direct service providing personally satisfying experiences in physical activities.
- Applicable across age groups, including infants and toddlers with developmental delays.
Aims and Objectives
Aim
The primary goal of adapted physical education is to assist differently-abled students in achieving physical, mental, emotional, and social growth through tailored programs, ensuring equal opportunities for participation in physical activities.
Objectives
Objective | Description |
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Physical Growth | Supporting physical development in alignment with individual potentials. |
Mental Growth | Fostering cognitive development through specialized physical education. |
Emotional Growth | Promoting emotional well-being via participation in physical activities. |
Social Growth | Encouraging social interaction and integration within a safe environment. |
Equal Opportunity | Ensuring all students have access to physical education programs in a least restrictive environment. |
Objectives of Adaptive Physical Education
Ensure Services to Meet Special Needs:
The primary goal of adaptive physical education is to provide tailored physical education services that cater to the unique requirements of differently abled students.
Enhance Self-esteem and Self-image:
Another key objective is to boost the self-esteem and self-image of students with disabilities by setting achievable goals that improve their motor skills. For instance, setting goals like throwing a ball a certain number of times can enhance their confidence.
Develop Motor Skills:
Adaptive physical education aims to enhance the motor skills of students with disabilities, which are crucial for daily activities and tasks. These skills help physically disabled students to stay active and agile.
Ensure Participation of Students in Physical Education Programmes:
It is essential to ensure active participation of each student in physical education programs at their own pace, integrating them into regular education whenever feasible.
Improve Physical Fitness:
One of the vital objectives is to enhance the physical fitness of differently abled students through modified exercises tailored to improve their fitness levels.
Motivate Students to Protect Themselves:
Encouraging students to safeguard themselves during physical activities is another crucial objective of adaptive physical education.
Promote Sportsmanship Qualities:
Developing sportsmanship qualities among differently abled students is an important aim, as participation in adaptive physical education naturally fosters these qualities.
Develop Knowledge of Good Mechanics:
Adaptive physical education helps individuals understand and appreciate good body mechanics, contributing to their overall well-being.
Improve Social Adjustments:
Enhancing social adjustments among differently abled students is crucial in today's society, and participation in adaptive physical education programs aids in this aspect.
Special Olympics Bharat
- Special Olympics Bharat is a program under Special Olympics International, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, with the belief that individuals with intellectual disabilities can excel in sports given equal opportunities.
- It was established in 1987 as Special Olympics India and later renamed to Special Olympics Bharat in 2001, recognized by the Government of India as a National Sports Federation.
- The program aims to use sports as a tool to transform the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, with over 850,875 athletes benefiting from it.
Mission of Special Olympics Bharat
- The mission of Special Olympics Bharat is to offer sports training and organize competitions year-round for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, fostering physical fitness, courage, and joy.
- Participants are encouraged to share their talents and skills with their families, peers, and the broader community, promoting inclusivity and friendship.
Vision of Special Olympics Bharat
- Special Olympics Bharat, as part of Special Olympics International, strives to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities by empowering them to reach their full potential through sports training and competition.
- The program aims to create fulfilled and productive members of society, fostering a sense of empowerment, health, skill development, and joy among participants.
Oath of Special Olympics
- "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Special Olympics Bharat is a transformative movement that utilizes sports as a means to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through a focus on training, competition, and community involvement, the program aims to enhance the physical fitness, emotional well-being, and social integration of its participants.
Goal
- Special Olympics Bharat aims to provide opportunities for differently abled individuals to enhance physical fitness and concentrate on their overall development.
Achievements
- Special Olympics Bharat has conducted national games in various sports since 2002, including National Games, National Floor Hockey Championships, National Football and Table Tennis Championships, National Volleyball and Basketball Championships, and National Badminton Championship.
- From 1987 to 2015, 885 athletes have participated in 8 World Summer Games and 5 World Winter Games, securing a total of 359 gold, 353 silver, and 423 bronze medals. Additionally, around 383 Indian athletes have taken part in Special Olympics Regional Asia Pacific Games.
- Competitions are held at local, district, state, national, and international levels, fostering physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, positive self-image, friendships, family support, leadership, and community building among athletes.
Benefits
- Participation in Special Olympics improves physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, and self-image. It also promotes friendships, family support, leadership skills, athlete health, and community cohesion, enhancing athletes' mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Paralympic Games
- Paralympic Games are significant international multi-sport events for athletes with various disabilities such as mobility impairments, amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy. These games are held every four years following the Olympic Games and are overseen by the International Paralympic Committee.
- The first Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960, and the term "Paralympic" was officially adopted during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Winter Paralympic Games began in 1976 in Sweden and also occur every four years.
Paralympic Games Logo
- The Paralympic Games logo symbolizes the spirit of the games and the unity of athletes with disabilities competing at the international level.
Opening Ceremony
- The opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games commences with the hosting of the host country's flag and the performance of its national anthem. Athletes then parade into the stadium according to their nations, with the host country's representatives marching in last. The ceremony includes cultural displays and concludes with the lighting of the Paralympic flame.
Closing Ceremony
- After the conclusion of all the sports events, the closing ceremony begins.
- Flag bearers from each participating country enter the stadium, followed by the athletes who enter together without any national distinction.
- The Paralympic flag is taken down, signifying the official closure of the games.
- The Paralympic flame is extinguished, marking the end of the event.
International Paralympic Committee
- The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic movement.
- It was established on September 22, 1989, with its headquarters in Bonn, Germany.
- IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games and supervises nine sports internationally.
- Its vision is to promote sporting excellence among Paralympic athletes and inspire the world.
Categories of Disability
- IPC has defined ten disability categories, including physical, visual, and intellectual impairments.
- Athletes with these disabilities can participate in the Paralympic Games, with different sports accommodating various disability categories.
- Examples of physical impairments include impaired muscle power, loss of limb, and short stature.
- Visual impairment refers to the impairment of one or more components of the visual system.
- Intellectual disability involves significant impairments in intellectual functioning.
Deaflympics
- The Deaflympics, previously known as the World Games for the Deaf, is an elite sporting event sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee for deaf athletes.
- Unlike other sporting events, Deaflympics do not use auditory signals like the starter's gun or referee whistles; instead, visual cues are employed.
- These games are organized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and are the second oldest multiple sports event globally.
Deaflympics Schedule
- The Deaflympics are held every four years.
- The inaugural event took place in Paris, France, in 1924, marking the first international sporting event for athletes with disabilities.
- Subsequent games have been held regularly every four years, with the exception of interruptions during World War II.
- The Deaflympic Winter Games commenced in 1949, expanding the scope of the event.
History of Deaflympics
- Initially known as the International Games for the Deaf (1924-1965)
- Later called the World Games for the Deaf (1966-1999)
- Renamed as Deaflympics since 2001
- Motto: "equality through sports"
- Hosted by 36 cities in 21 countries
Participant Criteria
- Athletes with a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their better ear are eligible
- Prohibition on the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc., during competition
Sports in Summer Deaflympics
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Beach Volleyball
- Bowling
- Cycling Road
- Football
- Handball
- Judo
- Karate
- Orienteering
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
Sports in Winter Deaflympics
- Alpine Skiing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Curling
- Ice Hockey
- Snowboard
Games Timeline
Game Number | Year |
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I | 1924 |
II | 1928 |
Summer Deaflympics Host Cities
Host City | Country |
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Paris | France |
Amsterdam | Netherlands |
Deaflympics Games
- XVII - 1993
- XVIII - 1997
- XIX - 2001
- XX - 2005
- XXI - 2009
- XXII - 2013
- XXIII - 2017
Winter Deaflympics Host Cities
- 1949 - Sofia, Bulgaria
- 1953 - Copenhagen, Denmark
- 1955 - Rome, Italy
- 1959 - Melbourne, Australia
- 1963 - Taipei, Chinese Taipei
- 1967 - Sofia, Bulgaria
- 1971 - Samsun, Turkey
Winter Deaflympics Held So Far
Year | Host City |
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1949 | Sofia |
1953 | Copenhagen |
Concept of Inclusion, Its Need and Implementation
Concept of Inclusion
- Inclusion in education is also known as Inclusive Education.
- It involves educating both regular students and those with disabilities or special needs together.
- Students with special needs learn alongside regular students, sharing the same space and interacting socially and academically.
Importance of Inclusive Education
- Inclusive education integrates differently-abled children with typical children within the same educational environment.
- It fosters a sense of community by bringing all students together in one classroom.
Implementation of Inclusive Education
- Inclusive education ensures that students with special needs receive education tailored to their requirements within a mainstream setting.
- Teachers play a crucial role in creating an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported.
- Examples of inclusive practices include providing individualized learning plans, promoting peer-to-peer interactions, and adapting teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Need of Inclusive Education
For Self Esteem:
Every individual possesses self-esteem. Research indicates that students with disabilities experience enhanced self-confidence and self-efficacy after being included in regular schools. They develop the confidence to interact with their peers and society.
For Better Social Skills and Communication:
Inclusive education fosters improved social relations and communication skills among students with and without disabilities. Students with disabilities benefit from observing and imitating their peers, leading to better social behavior and communication skills.
Greater Sensitivity:
Students without disabilities become more empathetic and patient through interactions with students with special needs. They develop a deeper understanding of the impact of their words and actions.
For Better Understanding of Strengths and Weaknesses:
Inclusive schools teach all students to appreciate individual differences in strengths and weaknesses. This fosters an environment of acceptance and understanding.
For Better Sense of Belongingness:
Inclusive education promotes a sense of belonging among students with and without special needs, emphasizing the value of every individual. Students build relationships, friendships, and tolerance towards each other.
Higher Academic Achievement:
Research shows that students with special needs perform better academically in inclusive settings compared to exclusive education environments.
Implementation of Inclusive Education in India
In India, there is a significant population of individuals with disabilities facing challenges in accessing education, including inclusive education. The implementation of inclusive education in India is crucial to ensure that the benefits reach all individuals.
Main Points for Effective Implementation of Inclusive Education
Right to Education
The Right to Education should be enforced in all states to ensure every child, including those with special needs, receives education.
Teacher Training
Teachers, especially in rural areas, need proper training to effectively teach children with special needs within an inclusive education system.
School Analysis
Regular evaluation of schools, curriculum, and facilities is essential to provide necessary support to children facing learning difficulties.
Parental Involvement
Parents should be actively engaged in decision-making processes to enhance their child's learning experience and contribute to effective inclusive education.
Equal Treatment
Differently abled students should be treated equally, focusing on their talents, capabilities, and abilities rather than sympathetically.
Adjustments and Support
Proper adjustments in classrooms, transportation, and educational materials should be made to cater to the needs of students with disabilities.
Evaluation System
An appropriate examination and evaluation system should be in place to meet the challenges of special education and ensure curriculum parity for all students.
Building Relationships
Efforts should be made to foster good relations between families of students with and without disabilities to create a conducive environment for inclusive education.
Student Support
Students should be provided with necessary materials and services such as uniforms, books, transport, therapeutic services, and assistive devices to facilitate their learning.
Role of Various Professionals for Children with Special Needs
School Counselor:
A school counselor is a specialist who works with students with special needs in schools. They are part of the education team and provide valuable assistance to these students.
Roles include:
- Assisting students with academic goals, social development, personal growth, and career planning.
- Supporting teaching staff in implementing strategies to aid students in distress.
- Conducting programs on stress management, anger management, conflict resolution, and positive thinking.
- Empowering all students, including those with special needs, to reach their full potential and build self-confidence.
- Referring students and families to community resources for additional support.
Physiotherapist:
A physiotherapist focuses on the gross motor skills and mobility of children with special needs.
Responsibilities include:
- Assessing and managing movement disorders and disabilities in children and young individuals.
- Helping children achieve their full potential through physical interventions, advice, and support.
- Evaluating physical mobility, balance, posture, fatigue, and pain, with techniques like massage, exercise, and electrotherapy.
Occupational Therapist:
An occupational therapist assists children with special needs in performing self-care tasks and engaging in activities requiring fine motor skills.
Duties involve:
- Supporting self-care activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, and grooming.
- Facilitating participation in play and interaction with peers.
- Aiding in the adaptation to regular school routines.
Main Roles for Supporting Special Needs Students
Educational Psychologist:
Educational psychologists focus on understanding the learning capabilities, emotional needs, and behavioral patterns of students with special needs. They assess individual students to identify their strengths and challenges, providing insights on effective teaching strategies and interventions.Example: | An educational psychologist may observe a student with dyslexia to understand their reading difficulties and recommend personalized reading strategies to improve their literacy skills. |
Occupational Therapist:
Occupational therapists assist students with special needs in developing essential skills for daily activities and classroom engagement. They offer guidance on fine motor skills enhancement, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing to promote independence and academic success.Example: | An occupational therapist may work with a student with autism to improve their handwriting skills, enabling them to write legibly and express their thoughts effectively. |
Physical Education Teacher:
Physical education teachers design inclusive sports and fitness programs to support students with special needs in improving their physical fitness levels, coordination, and overall well-being. They create a supportive environment that fosters confidence and social integration.Example: | A physical education teacher may modify activities for a student with mobility impairments, ensuring they can actively participate in sports and recreational exercises alongside their peers. |
Speech Therapist:
Speech therapists offer tailored interventions to help students with special needs overcome communication challenges, such as speech and language disorders. They work on improving articulation, fluency, and language skills to enhance students' ability to express themselves effectively.Example: | A speech therapist may assist a student with a stutter in developing techniques to enhance their fluency and confidence when speaking in classroom discussions. |
Special Educator:
Special educators support students with diverse learning and emotional needs by creating individualized educational plans and fostering skill development in various areas. They focus on enhancing cognitive abilities, social interactions, and overall academic success for students with special needs.Example: | A special educator may work with a student with ADHD to implement organizational strategies that improve their focus and academic performance in a classroom setting. |