Inclusive Physical Education
Justin A. Haegele & Matthew Mescall
The Ohio State University & The Maryland
School for the Blind
Why is Physical Education Important for Students with Visual Impairments?
According to the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA, 2004), children with disabilities are guaranteed to receive equal education as
it is provided to their typically developing peers.
One aspect of education which is mentioned under that law is physical education. Physical education is a medium for guiding students in the
process of living a physically active life (Hodge,
Lieberman, & Murata, 2012). As stated in the position paper of the Council for Exceptional Children, all people deserve formal and informal opportunities to fully develop physical skills and
abilities (Tutt, Lieberman, & Brasher, 2011).
Physical education provides students with
the opportunity to enhance important lifelong
skills in the social, cognitive, and physical domains. Through physical education, students
participate in group activities, which teach teamwork and cooperation. Students learn various
tactics and strategies through games and activities, which create cognitive growth. Just as importantly, students develop and enhance gross
motor skills, which can lead to lifelong participation in physical activities. An active lifestyle
through participation in physical activity may decrease one's chances of developing healthrelated concerns such as obesity and heart disease (Center for Disease Control and Prevention
[CDC], 2011).
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