Tips for Children With Disabilities

Marie Edgemon, Adaptive P.E specialist, advises that there are a large variety of different disabilities and the child's physician approval and the parents approval should be required before inclusion in the program. The parents should be consulted whenever possible and their guidance be used. The parent or guardian will be your best source of information about their child's particular needs.

General tips are to provide an alternate activity for a child that cannot participate in a particular drill or game. Obstacle courses that can be done on pavement involving navigating cones or other obstacles that can be "gone around" rather than over are certainly possible.

Ask a child, prior to assisting, if they would like help in an area in which they may be struggling.

Consult with or include the Adaptive P.E. specialist when possible.

Providing a fairly level surface for activities will insure more active participation.

Be aware of weather or particular heat related issues as they may effect certain activities and disabilities such as Multiple Sclerosis in different ways.

Integration of Students With Disabilities Into JUST RUN

Kevin Casey, one of our JUST RUN CSUMB student interns suggests the following: Quality physical education should be available to all children. Physical education can lay a foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and lead to skills and practices that can last a lifetime. Some leaders in the JUST RUN program may have students with disabilities that you want to integrate into your program and give them needed physical education activities and experiences. Depending on the nature and severity of the disability, innovative and imaginative adaptations can be made to allow the disabled child to participate. Certainly doing JUST DEEDS and eating nutritionally are two cornerstones of the program that can be done by disability students you may have in your program.

Feeling good about yourself and developing pride are qualities which everyone is entitled to and these feelings can be fostered in everyone in the program.