Disability+and+Role+Models.

The use of role models in education can be very beneficial. Students without disabilities are often educated about role models and they act as a great way to motivate students within the P.E. classroom. When it comes to special education role models can also be used as a way to motivate students for physical activity. Special education students can sometimes feel as though the abilities and events that fully able athletes participate in are out of reach for them, by educating them about disabled sportspeople this issue can be avoided. Exposing students to sports such as wheelchair basketball/rugby/tennis and encouraging the participation of other students also allows fellow students to understand the conditions that their peers live their day-to-day lives in a fun and enjoyable way. There is wide range of information on professional sportspeople and the events which they compete in on the internet.

[|Australian Athletes with a Disability] has information about events, participants and sports throughout Australia.

[|Disabled Winter Sports] similar to the above but with a focus on winter sports. DWA also offers camps and equipment and oportunities for volunteers.

[|Australian Sports Commission] has a range of information and links about policies and the options available for schools.

[|Education and Training] information about courses offered for those wishing to get qualifications to teach special needs students, courses centered around modifying games for special needs children.

When Looking at disability and role models I always think of the movie Simon Birch. This movie takes many twists and turns but the part that I always remember is when the bus falls into the ice cold water and Simon dives into the water to save his fellow peers. I believe this movie shows the courage of people with disabilities. I also love the inclusiveness of Simon in the normal weekend baseball competition and the lifestyle he leads. He is cheaky and full of personality. If I was using this movie in a school I would use it in the context of relationships between people and how these can affect one persons life in many ways.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGpty7I4_EA The clip

I have attatched is after the bus accident when Simon gets sick and is in hospital.