Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adapted Physical Education?
Adapted Physical Education (also called specially designed instruction in physical education) is a direct educational service uniquely designed and documented in a student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) to meet his/her needs in physical education. Adapted Physical Education (APE) is not a related service. It is special education to ensure access to and progress through the Healthful Living Essential Standards.
2. What is the goal of APE?
The primary goal of APE is to provide individualized physical education in a setting that will promote progress through the Healthful Living Essential Standards for Physical Education and in motor and functional skill development, safety, and full participation. Additionally, the APE program in every LEA works to ensure students with disabilities can participate in athletics and physical and leisure activities at school and in their community.
3. What is the difference between Adapted Physical Education, Physical Therapy (PT), and Occupational Therapy (OT)? They look the same.
Adapted Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy all work to support and improve how a student moves but they are not the same. They may work on the same skill but approach it with different expertise.
Physical Therapy is provided by a licensed PT or PT assistant and primarily works to improve gross motor skills, balance, mobility, strength and flexibility using a variety of therapeutic interventions. PT interventions can include: therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapies, mobility or gait training, balance and neuromuscular education or re-education. Physical therapists suggest, fit and instruct students and teachers how to use specific equipment including braces, walkers, standards and wheelchairs. Physical Therapists address problems with safety, campus and classroom accessibility, participation and equipment needs.
Occupational therapy is a student-centered continuum of services provided by a licensed occupational therapist or a licensed and supervised occupational therapy assistant. These services assist a student to engage in meaningful and/or necessary occupations that allow a student to participate in and benefit from special education. These occupations may include student role/interaction skills, learning academics and process skills, personal care, play and recreation, written communication, and community integration and work.
Adapted Physical Education is the Healthful Living Essential Standards/ PE curriculum taught and adapted by Adapted Physical Education Specialists and Physical Education teachers through modified games and sport activities to provide specialized instruction for the skills required for the PE curriculum. APE modifies the game and sport activities so that the student can experience appropriate challenges and subsequent success. Adapted Physical Educators work for student progress in physical education by improving manipulating objects (e.g., throwing, catching, striking, kicking, and rolling); participation (e.g., sequencing, following directions, communication, teamwork and cooperation); fitness (e.g., strength, flexibility and cardio-respiratory endurance) and motor skills (e.g., balance, walking, running, skipping, hopping, jumping and galloping).
Adapted Physical Education (also called specially designed instruction in physical education) is a direct educational service uniquely designed and documented in a student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) to meet his/her needs in physical education. Adapted Physical Education (APE) is not a related service. It is special education to ensure access to and progress through the Healthful Living Essential Standards.
2. What is the goal of APE?
The primary goal of APE is to provide individualized physical education in a setting that will promote progress through the Healthful Living Essential Standards for Physical Education and in motor and functional skill development, safety, and full participation. Additionally, the APE program in every LEA works to ensure students with disabilities can participate in athletics and physical and leisure activities at school and in their community.
3. What is the difference between Adapted Physical Education, Physical Therapy (PT), and Occupational Therapy (OT)? They look the same.
Adapted Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy all work to support and improve how a student moves but they are not the same. They may work on the same skill but approach it with different expertise.
Physical Therapy is provided by a licensed PT or PT assistant and primarily works to improve gross motor skills, balance, mobility, strength and flexibility using a variety of therapeutic interventions. PT interventions can include: therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapies, mobility or gait training, balance and neuromuscular education or re-education. Physical therapists suggest, fit and instruct students and teachers how to use specific equipment including braces, walkers, standards and wheelchairs. Physical Therapists address problems with safety, campus and classroom accessibility, participation and equipment needs.
Occupational therapy is a student-centered continuum of services provided by a licensed occupational therapist or a licensed and supervised occupational therapy assistant. These services assist a student to engage in meaningful and/or necessary occupations that allow a student to participate in and benefit from special education. These occupations may include student role/interaction skills, learning academics and process skills, personal care, play and recreation, written communication, and community integration and work.
Adapted Physical Education is the Healthful Living Essential Standards/ PE curriculum taught and adapted by Adapted Physical Education Specialists and Physical Education teachers through modified games and sport activities to provide specialized instruction for the skills required for the PE curriculum. APE modifies the game and sport activities so that the student can experience appropriate challenges and subsequent success. Adapted Physical Educators work for student progress in physical education by improving manipulating objects (e.g., throwing, catching, striking, kicking, and rolling); participation (e.g., sequencing, following directions, communication, teamwork and cooperation); fitness (e.g., strength, flexibility and cardio-respiratory endurance) and motor skills (e.g., balance, walking, running, skipping, hopping, jumping and galloping).