Class 11 Physical Education Chapter 4 Physical Education and Sports for CWSN

The Right to Education, makes education a fundamental right of every child between the ages of 6 and 14. Right to study is for all children including those who are physically and mentally challenged. They may be afflicted with various types of disabilities and disorders. All students have the right to come to school to develop their abilities through the process of education. So, in addition to the regular programmes of PE, the schools must provide Adapted Physical Education (APE) Programmes. This is for all the children who may not receive benefits from regular Physical Education Programmes. As you know, PE is important for:

1. development of gross motor and fine motor skills
2. conditioning different systems in the body
3. developing emotional health and wellbeing
4. inculcating social values and obligations

It was in 1952 that the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (AAHPER) formed a committee. It was to define Adapted Physical Education and give direction for teachers. This committee defined Adapted Physical Education as “a diversified Programme of growing activities, and games. It also included sports, and rhythms suited to the interests, capacities, and limitations of students. It was with special needs who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted help in the rigorous activities of the regular Physical Education Programme.”

According to Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) Adapted Physical Education is Physical Education. It has been adapted or modified, so that it is as appropriate for the person with a infirmity it is for a person without a condition. It is basically a Physical Education Programme specially designed for differently-abled students. The purpose is to make physical education activities safe, achievable, enjoyable and, therefore, a successful experience.

APE is safe and beneficial even for infants and toddlers who need early intervention services because of growing delays in physical, cognitive, speech, social and emotional aspects. Moreover, APE is not only for differently-abled infants and students but also for the people of all ages.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports group for children and adults with academic disorder and physical infirmities. It provides year-round training and competitions to 5 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries.
Implementation of Inclusive Education in India.

In India, the number of children/persons with disabilities or special needs is really large. As a result, they have a number of problems in getting education, especially inclusive education. It is important to implement inclusive education in India. It is not only to provide benefits of inclusion to all people but also to ensure optimal uses of resources.