Recommended Reading

A Teacher's Guide to Including Students with Disabilities in General Physical Education
by Martin E. Block
Brookes, 2000
ISBN: 1-55766-463-3

Martin Block is an Associate professor of Kinesiology in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia and has been co-director of the Adapted Physical Education Program at the university since 1992. His book is based on the IDEA Amendments of 1997, and helps educators make the mandated changes necessary for successful inclusion.

This is a practical handbook for any physical education teacher! It includes a description of what a quality physical education program should include, and reviews the history and key characteristics of inclusion. Block points out that "the least restrictive environment" may not always be the general classroom for some students who would benefit from a smaller, quieter environment. He suggests, however, that both special education students and their peers can benefit highly from being in general classes.

Block describes the importance of collaborative teaming, provides new information and assessment tools to determine who qualifies for physical education, shows how to complete the individualized education program (IEP), and provides information, models, and examples of how to implement instructional, curricular, and game modifications to facilitate inclusion.

He describes how the general physical educator can create a welcoming environment and prepare children without disabilities for inclusion. He examines the important issue of safety, focusing on legal issues as well as practical ways to create appropriate environments for all children. He also offers suggestions on how to cope with children who display behavior problems, and includes materials written by Ron and Lisa French, two leaders in behavior management. Another area, co-authored by Phillip Conatser, a leader in adapted aquatics, offers information on how to include children with disabilities in general aquatics programs, including safety considerations and adaptive equipment.

Block notes that "with appropriate supplementary aids and services, most children with disabilities can be included in general physical education alongside children without disabilities."

---

This article is in the public domain and can be freely copied and used in trainings as handouts at parent and community meetings, and in creating your school or district programs. (Please cite all sources of materials you use.)

This information is provided by:
Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Special Education
P O Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
(360) 725-6088
Fax (360)586-1631
E-mail: dgill@ospi.wednet.edu