Physical+activity+and+disabilities

People with a disability benefit from physical activity Everyone, including people with disabilities should engage in regular physical activity. People with disabilities, however, often face barriers to participation. Statistics show that only a small percentage of the 19 per cent of people with disabilities participate in regular physical activity.(Governement of South Australila)

As I am studying a bachelor of health and physical education I was interested in looking for any companies, organisations or groups who help with implementing and coming up with sporting activities for students with disabilities. Whilst researching I found some fantastic resources that could be used in both primary and secondary education environments. I found these recourses on the Sports Commission web site. This site offers so many options for integrating all students in physical activities. They have a sports activity pack that gives you equipment for students with disabilities. Games and activities you can play with children in wheel chairs. These Activity packs also come with activity cards which explains different games for inclusive and knowledge purposes. Most of these activities would not only suit students with a disability, but mainstream students would have fun and enjoy them as well because they are different and new. Some of the booklets and activity cards you can access through PDF online, however some of them require payments.

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References :

Australian sports commission: []

South Australian Government: be activie - tips disability []

Some things to think about when planning physical education lessons when you have:

__A student who has a visual impairment__
 * Teach with manual guidance and verbal directions
 * Manually guiding the student models/demonstrates to other students a skill they could use, benefiting the group as well as the individual.
 * Provide immediate and specific feedback.
 * Avoid activities that involve throwing and catching with increased speed.
 * Well lighted surroundings.
 * Participating in activities on a familiar ground consistently.
 * Use brightly coloured balls and other equipment.
 * Sponge and foam balls for projectile activities.
 * Protection for eyes (sunglasses)
 * Audible beep balls

__A student who is deaf__
 * Position yourself in close proximity so they can hear better or read lips.
 * Be conscious of not turning your back when speaking
 * Let the child move freely - they may be positioning themselves where they can hear better.
 * Visually and manually demonstrate skills.
 * Accompany whistle sounds with a large hand signal, make this clear to student before activity.
 * Lean basic sign language needed for communication.

(Graham, Holt, Parker, 1987)

Graham, G. Holt, S. Parker, M. (1987) //Children Moving - A Teacher's Guide to Developing a Successful Physical Education Program// 2nd Ed. Published by Mayfield Publishing Company, California
 * Reference**