Adapted Physical Education is a direct service that is provided to a student with a disability. Adapted Physical Education is physical education which may be adapted or modified to address the individualized needs of children and youth who have gross motor developmental delays.
The Adapted Physical Education Teacher addresses the unique needs of the child that results from the child's disability to ensure access to the general physical education curriculum.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Public Law 108-466 (2004), states that physical education is a required service for children and youth between the ages of 3-21 who qualify for special education services because of a specific disability or developmental delay.
The Federal Law (PL 94-142, PL 101-476, PL 105-17, PL 108-446) mandates the following in regards to physical education and students with disabilities: §300.26 Special education and defines Physical Education as the development of: physical and motor skills, fundamental motor skills and patterns (throwing, catching, walking, running, etc.), and skills in aquatics, dance, and individual and group games and sports (including intramural and lifetime sports).