Adapted PE

Adapted Physical Education

DEFINING ADAPTED PE
Adapted Physical Education is specially designed physical education service for a student with a disability.  It is a service, not a setting. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND THE LAW
Physical education is required for all students, regardless of disability, by both federal and state law.  Maryland has a no waiver policy for students in grades K-8, as well as for the high school graduation requirement.

IDEA: According to The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, 34 C.F.R. 300.108 states, "Physical Education services, specially designed if necessary, must be made available to every child with a disability receiving a free appropriate public education."  In this way, adapted physical education is a direct service. 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:  This federal statute requires the provision of specialized accomodations to students that significantly impact a major life activity.  

Maryland Fitness and Athletic Equity Act (2008): The Act specifies requirements for County Boards of Education including:  ensuring that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in mainstream physical education, provide reasonable accommodations necessary to allow students with disabilities to participate to the fullest extent possible in mainstream physical education, and that adapted, allied, or unified physical education and athletic programs are available.

MSDE Physical Education

MSDE - A Guide for Serving Students with Disabilities in Physical Education

FCPS Board of Education Policies and Regulations:
The following Policies and Regulations pertain to Adapted Physical Education:

• BoE Policy 508:  Special Education
• BoE Policy 316:  Health Promotion
• BoE Policy 402 and Regulation 400-92:   Physical Education and Athletic Programs for Students with Disabilities
• BoE Policy 409 and Regulation 400-82: Wellness
• BoE Regulation 400-22:  School IEP Teams
• BoE Regulation 400-66:  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973-Implementation Guidelines

SUPPORT
Physical Education teachers at every school are qualified to deliver Adapted Physical Education.   In addition, the FCPS Adapted PE Teacher Specialist is available (see block on left side of this page for contact information). 

DOCUMENTS