Physical education
& sports for
children with
special Needs
MANISHA MANHAS
Table of contents
01 Concept of Disability and Disorder
Types of Disability , its causes
02 and nature
Disability Etiquette, Aim and
03 objectives of APE
Role of Various Professionals for
04 childrens with special needs
x
Concept of Disability
● Any disadvantage due to which an individual is
not able to perform the activities of normal
human is known as disability.
● According to WHO “ A disability is a restriction or
lack (resulting from impairment ) of ability to
perform an activity in the manner or within the
range condidered normal for a human being .
● “ A Disbility is afunctional limitation or
restriction of an individual abilityb to perform
an activity.
Concept of Disorder
● Disorder as a condition where things are out of
their usual order or not functioning as they
normally should.
● The Oxford English Dictionary defines a
Disorder as “an illness that disrupts normal
physical or mental function .”
● Disorder hinders a person's performance and
diminishes his /her efficiency.
● To conclude, key features of disorder are
1) Deviation from normal functioning
2) Wide range of condition
3) Impact on daily life
4) Treatable.
Disabilty and disorder
Disability is a medical condition which
does not permit an individual to
perform any activity or movement in
a normal way. Disability is an injury l
that restricts the functions or
movements of an individual.
Disorder is usually used for mental
disabilities. Disorder is any ailment
that disturbs the health of an
individual. Disorder creates
hindrance in an individual’s
performance and reduces his
efficiency.
2 TYPES OF DISABILITIES
1. Physical Disability
A physical disability is the one that a person with a physical
disability may need to use some sort of equipment for
resistance with mobility. It includes people who have lost limbs
and include injury or damage to neck or spinal cord varying
degree of loss of limb.
Characteristics
1. Impaired Mobility: Difficulty in walking, moving, or using
limbs effectively. This can include conditions like paralysis or
amputations.
2. Limited Dexterity: Challenges in performing tasks that
require fine motor skills, such as writing or using tools.
3. Reduced Physical Endurance: Fatigue or weakness that
affects physical stamina and ability to perform daily activities.
4. Pain and Discomfort: Chronic pain or discomfort that
interferes with normal functioning and quality of life.
Causes:
1.Congenital: Conditions present at birth, such as spina bifida or
congenital limb deformities
.
2. Acquired Injuries: Trauma or accidents leading to disabilities,
like spinal cord injuries or broken bones.
3. Degenerative Diseases: Progressive conditions that worsen
over time, such as , muscular dystrophy, or osteoarthritis.
4. Chronic Illnesses: Long-term diseases that affect physical
function, such as diabetes or cardiovascular conditions.
Nature:
1. Static or Progressive: Some disabilities remain constant
(static), while others worsen over time (progressive)
2. Visible or Invisible: Disabilities may be apparent to others
(visible) or not immediately noticeable (invisible), like chronic
pain or internal conditions
3. .Functional Impact: The degree to which a disability affects
daily life varies, with some individuals needing assistive devices
or support, while others may adapt through therapy or
modifications
4. .Varied Severity: Physical disabilities can range from mild to
severe, influencing the extent of limitations and the type of
Cognitive and learning disabilities
● Refers to a range of disorders that affect an individual's ability to process,
understand, or use information, impacting learning and daily functioning.
These disabilities are neurological in nature and can affect various cognitive
processes, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.
CHARACTERSTICS
1. Difficulty with Learning; Challenges in acquiring and applying academic
skills, such as reading, writing, or math
2. Memory Issues: Problems with retaining and recalling information.
3. Attention Deficits: Difficulty maintaining focus and attention, often seen in
disorders like ADHD.
4. Problem-Solving Challenges*: Struggles with reasoning, organization, and
planning tasks.
5. Language Difficulties*: Issues with understanding or producing language,
affecting communication and comprehension.
Causes:
1. Genetic Factors: Some learning disabilities
have a hereditary component, with a family
history of similar issues.
2. Neurodevelopmental Factors:
Abnormalities in brain development or
functioning that affect cognitive processes.
3. Environmental Influences: Factors such as
prenatal exposure to toxins, early childhood
trauma, or lack of stimulating experiences can
contribute.
4. Brain Injury: Damage to brain structures from
trauma or illness that affects cognitive abilities.
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Characterstics
1.Below-Average Intellectual Functioning:
IQ score below 70.
The term intellectual disability 2. Adaptive Behavior Challenges:
generally refers to a reduced Difficulties with everyday life skills, such as
capacity of a person to self-care, communication, and social
learn, task, or process interactions.
information. It hinder 3. Developmental Delays*: Delayed
learning ,day to day milestones in areas like speech, motor
activities and reasoning skills, and cognitive abilities.
problems. 4. Learning Difficulties : Struggles with
An intellectual disability is academic tasks, problem-solving, and
characterized by an IQ below abstract thinking
70,( the median IQ is .5. Varied Severity : Ranges from mild to
100_). profound, affecting the level of support
needed
.6. Social and Emotional Challenges: May
include difficulties in forming and
maintaining relationships and
Causes:
1.Genetic Conditions: Such as Down syndrome, Fragile X
syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities.
2.Prenatal Factors: Exposure to toxins (e.g., alcohol,
drugs), maternal infections, or malnutrition during
pregnancy.
3.Birth Complications: Issues during birth, such as oxygen
deprivation or premature birth.
4.Environmental Factors: Severe neglect, abuse, or lack of
stimulation during early childhood.
5.Medical Conditions: Infections, trauma, or diseases that
affect brain development.
Disorder types
ADHD : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
It is a very common neurodevelopment
disorder. Children with the disorder may
be overly active and have trouble with
impulsive behaviors. They may also find it
difficult to pay attention, follow
instructions and complete tasks.
Sensory processing
disorder
Sensory processing disorder is a
neurological condition in children that
can affect the way the brain processes
information from the senses. Children
with sensory processing disorder may
be extra sensitive to or not react to
sensory input, depending on how they
are affected.
Obsessive compulsive disorder
(OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a
mental health condition where a person has
persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions)
and feels compelled to do certain actions
(compulsions) to relieve the anxiety caused by
these thoughts.
A picture is worth a
thousand words
A picture
always
reinforces
the concept
Images reveal large
amounts of data, so
remember: use an image
instead of a long text. Your
audience will appreciate it
DISABILITY ETIQUETTES
● Disability etiquette is a set of guidelines dealing specifically with how to
approach people with disabilities. It refers to communicating and interacting
respectfully with people who have disabilities. Here’s a guide on etiquette for
communicating with people with disabilities:
1.Positive and Energetic Attitude-
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach interactions with enthusiasm and
respect.-
Avoid Pity: Treat people with disabilities with the same respect and dignity you
would offer anyone else
2.Communication
Speak Directly: Address the person directly rather than through a companion or
interpreter.-
Use Clear Language: Be clear and straightforward in your communication.-
Offer Assistance Ask if they need help before providing it, and respect their
Social Etiquette-
Respect Personal Space: Keep a respectful distance unless
you’re invited to come closer.-
Be Inclusive: Include people with disabilities in conversations
and activities.-
Avoid Assumptions: Don’t assume their abilities or needs
based on their disability.
Physical Etiquette-
Respect Mobility Devices: Don’t lean on or touch
wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids without
permission.
Position at Eye Level: When talking to someone in a
wheelchair, sit or kneel to be at their eye level for a more
comfortable conversation.-
Guide Dogs: Do not distract or pet guide dogs without
permission, as they are working animals.
ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Adaptive Physical Education (APE) is a tailored approach
to physical education designed to meet the needs of
students with disabilities or special needs. It involves
modifying activities, equipment, and teaching methods to
ensure that all students can participate and benefit from
physical education. Individualized Instruction: Customizing
activities to accommodate each student’s abilities and
needs.
•Modified Equipment: Using specialized equipment or
adapting existing equipment to ensure accessibility.
•Inclusive Activities: Designing activities that allow for
participation at varying levels of ability.
•Goal Setting: Developing personalized goals to improve
physical skills, coordination, and overall fitness.
•Professional Training: Ensuring that educators are
trained in methods and strategies to effectively teach
students with diverse needs
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF APE
Provide Individual Physical Education Programs*: To create
tailored physical education programs that address the unique needs
and abilities of each student.
Develop Motor Skills*: To enhance physical and motor skills through
activities designed to improve coordination, strength, and agility.
Encourage Active Participation*: To promote consistent and
meaningful participation in physical activities, ensuring that all
students are engaged and involved.
Foster Self-Esteem*: To build confidence and a positive self-image
through achievable goals and success in physical
Support Holistic Development*: To promote the overall
development of students, including physical, emotional, and social
Motivate Others*: To inspire and encourage students to engage in
physical activities and adopt a healthy lifestyle.These aims and
objectives help create a supportive and effective physical education
program that caters to the diverse needs of students.
ROLE OF VARIOUS PROFESSIONALS
WITH CWSN
SPECIAL EDUCATION COUNSLER : They work with
special need students in schools to ensure they
have support services in order to achieve their
highest potential in specific areas.
Role of Special Education Counselor for
Students with Special Needs
● Emotional Support
● Academic Assistance
● Social Skills Enhancement
● Crisis Support.
● Family liaison
Occupational Therapist
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a healthcare
professional who helps individuals develop, recover, or
maintain the skills needed for daily living and
working.They focus on developing, recovering, or
maintaining skills required for daily living, such as self-
care, work, and leisure activities, aiming to improve
overall functionality and quality of life.
ROLE
Enhance Daily Living Skills: Work on improving
skills necessary for daily activities, such as
dressing, eating, and personal hygiene.
Motor Skills: Focus on developing hand-eye
coordination, dexterity, and other fine motor skills
Adapt Environments: Recommend modifications to
home or school environments to better support the
child’s needs.
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
A Physiotherapist (PT) is a healthcare professional
who helps individuals improve their physical
function and mobility through exercises, manual
therapy, and other techniques.
For children with special needs, a PT focuses on:-
Enhancing Movement Skills: Improving gross
motor skills like walking, running, and jumping.-
Addressing Physical Limitations: Working on
issues related to strength, flexibility, and
coordination.- Promoting Rehabilitation:
Assisting in recovery from injuries or surgeries.-
Using Assistive Devices ;Recommending and
training in the use of mobility aids or other
supportive equipment.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
TEACHER
A Physical Education (PE) Teacher is an educator who focuses
on promoting physical fitness, motor skills, and overall well-
being through structured physical activities and sports.
For children with special needs, a PE teacher:-
Adapts Activities: Modifies games and exercises to
accommodate various abilities.-
Promotes Inclusion: Ensures that all students, regardless of
ability, participate in physical education.
Supports Skill Development: Helps students develop
motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness.-
Encourages Social Interaction :Uses team sports and
group activities to foster social skills and teamwork.
SPEECH SPECIAL
EDUCATOR
THERAPIST A Special Educator works with
A Speech Therapist helps students who have special needs
individuals with communication to support their learning.They work
and swallowing difficulties.- with severe cognitive , emotional
or physical disability.
*Improve Communication*:
Enhances speech, language, Develop IEPs: Creates individualized
and fluency.- education plans.
*Treat Disorders*: Addresses Adapt Curriculum: Adjusts teaching
issues like stuttering and voice methods and materials.
problems.- Provide Specialized Instruction:
*Facilitate Communication Offers targeted support for
Aids*: Provides and trains on academic and developmental
alternative communication goals.
devices.
