Handicapped learner

Many games and sports in which students regularly participate in physical education classes can, with mi­nor modification, be made safe and interesting for orthopedically handicapped persons. In general, the rules, techniques, and equipment of a game or activ­ity should be changed as little as possible when they are modified for handicapped students. Some of the ways that regular physical education and sports activ­ities can be modified are the following:

1. The size of the playing area can be made smaller, with proportionate reduction of the amount of activity.

2. Larger balls or larger pieces of equipment can be introduced to make the game easier or to slow down the tempo so physical accommoda­tions can be made.

3. Smaller, lighter balls or striking implements (plastic or styrofoam balls and plastic bats) or objects that are easier to handle (a beanbag) can be substituted.

4. More players can be added to a team, which reduces the amount of activity and the respon­sibility of individuals.

5. Minor rule changes can be made in the contest or game while as many of the basic rules as possible are retained.

6. The amount of time allowed for play can be reduced via shorter quarters, or the total time for a game can be reduced to allow for the on­set of fatigue.

7. The number of points required to win a contest can be reduced.

8. Free substitutions can be made, which allows the students alternately to participate and then rest while the contest continues.

These modifications can be made in a game or contest whether the student participates in a handi­capped-only class or regular physical education classes. If the handicapped child participates in a handicapped-only class, it is possible to provide activ­ities similar to those of regular physical education classes by practicing many of the culturally accepted sport skills in drill types of activities. An example would be playing such basketball games as ''twenty-one" and "around the world" or taking free throws as lead-up activities in the sport. Pitching, balling, throwing, catching, and games such as "over the line" can be played as lead-up activities for Softball. Serv­ing, stroking, volleying, and the like can be practiced as lead-up activities for tennis. Such activities can be designed to accommodate physical limitations. Students with temporary injuries may be­come more skillful in various activities so that when they return to an unrestricted class they may partici­pate in the whole game or sport with a reasonable degree of success.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16