DAPE: Developmental Adapted Physical

Education

Ashlyn Gibeaut

EFRT 308

4/22/10

What is it?

For students with any disability, from high functioning to low functioning

Can not be in regular physical education class

Allows for a safe and successful class

Can learn all the same sports, but with modification

Benefits of DAPE

Allows for a safe and meaningful physical education class

It is fun-allowing the students to go at their own pace

Structured to meet all of the student’s needs

Adaptations in DAPE

Equipment-shapes, colors, sizes, weights, and textures of balls

Environment-Designate areas for equipment, “quiet” area, instructional area. Also smaller spaces

Instruction-Verbal and Demonstrate and KEY! Also peer teach or through play

Rules-Modify. If multiple levels of students in a class limit what each level can do. For example higher functioning must catch the volleyball before it hits the ground, whereas lower functioning can catch it on a bounce.

Comparing Traditional and DAPETraditional

Basketball

Unit would be two weeks

Full court

Refining skills, and possibly higher skills-screens, set plays

Use actual basketball, hoop, court

DAPE BasketballUnit would be three

weeks

Smaller space

Focus more on the basics-dribbling, passing, and shooting

Modified court, maybe garbage bins for hoops, and shooting range

Most common disabilities

Autism

Cerebral Palsy

Hearing impaired

Emotional Disturbances

Blindness

Deafness

Multiple Disabilities

Problems with DAPE

Some schools are still “Old” school teaching the same thing over and over

Programs vary from district to district and even school to school

Not involving the lowest functioning students-let them sit off to the side or day dream

Para-professionals are more involved than the students

Less time than general PE classes

DAPE done right

Activity is varied-day to day, and week to week

Instruction is given each day and throughout the day

Rules become progressively harder throughout the unit

Having all the students involved, even if on the smallest level

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_NbL5paS3k