Physical Education Teachers

8. Inclusive sports and activities in PE teachers’ practice

The main aim of this issue is to raise awareness of opportunities provided by inclusive sports and to increase participation of disadvantaged groups of students. The various problems of exclusion may occur both in mainstream schools (including integration classes) and special schools dealing with disabled students.
The need to take inclusive approach concerns different groups of students, e.g. disabled and special needs students, teenage girls (who are frequently put off by PE outfits which make them feel “ugly”), obese children and students experiencing bullying in changing rooms because of their nationality or religion.
The motto for inclusive approach should be “there is a sport for everyone”. By putting enjoyment at the centre and emphasis on the ability not the disability, teachers create engagement and positive experiences which help young people build their confidence through sport.
PE teachers have a wide range of tools which help them to integrate of school community. From open activities (everyone doing the same activity without adaptation), modified activities (changing rules, space and equipment), parallel activities (division of groups according to ability) to separate activity performed individually. There is also an option to apply “reverse integration” when able-bodied students play disability sports.
Cooperation with other subjects teachers (ICT, Art, History, Geography, Science) shall help PE teachers to increase awareness of Paralympic sports, provide inspiration for cross curricula initiatives, develop students’ creativity and imagination, as well as make them more sensitive, tolerant and emphatic.
By establishing collaboration with parents and external organizations dealing with the above mentioned less favoured groups of people, PE teachers gain partners who can support schools in terms of experience, expertise and sponsoring of sporting events.

Learning Objective

The learning objective of this step is to raise awareness of opportunities provided by inclusive sports and to develop teachers’ skills to integrate the school community by increasing participation of disadvantaged students in physical activities and sports.

Online Resources

• Project Ability Case StudiesThis web site includes a number of case studies implemented in the framework of the “Project Ability” which has been designed to help drive and increase PE opportunities for young disabled people
• The Inclusion Club – inclusive sport and active recreation for people with disabilityThe website delivers many resources (videos, talks, tips, podcasts , audio-visual articles,) and a blog subpage very useful and inspiring for people dealing with inclusive PE
• 9 research findings that show why education needs sportAn article by the PE teacher trainer/coach educator in which he makes out a thesis about the important role of sport in education
• Practicing inclusive educationThe website gives an access to the toolkit for PE teachers (tips and strategies, various valuable resources) who are interested in inclusive education.
• English Federation of Disability SportThe webpage presents different guides, case studies and top tips for people dealing with inclusive sports
• “Different. Just like you” A psychosocial approach promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilitiesOn the webpage -very useful didactic materials available: a book for the teachers of inclusive education, a training guide including the content about physical activities.
• Adapted Physical EducationThe didactic material includes the brief characteristic of the disabilities / disorders, their implication on PA, recommended activities, teaching strategies, positive behavior management strategies.
• Active for autismThai webpage provides PE teachers and trainers with a few top tips on how to activate the autistic students.