MANILA, Philippines — Question: I always read your section because it gives me information especially about special education. I’m a BS Psychology student and I am planning to conduct a research about SpEd. My question is, what are the benefits and effects of having a sports activity for children with special needs. Is sport education part of the SpEd curriculum? Your help is very much appreciated. — Andrew Nicanor

Teacher Tess says: Every child, both in the regular and special education, has the right to enjoy the fun of playing sports, either in non-competitive or competitive games.

These rights are embodied in Education of all Handicapped Children Act of 1975, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with reauthorization of PL94-142 and continue the emphasis upon physical education as a direct educational service including our very own Magna Carta for Disabled Persons which specified the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons.

These legislations are responsible for preventing discrimination against students with disabilities in the education system. It also outlines the guidelines that are specific to the participation of children with disabilities in interscholastic sports competitions and teams.

Adaptive physical education is a form of physical education offered to exceptional children who, because of their handicaps and IEP, need some modification of the existing physical education programs or a new alternative physical education program for them to benefit from participation.

Below are the benefits of sports program for children with special needs (CSN):

1. Self-esteem and confidence – When athletes join in some sports, positive self-image he/she participates in team practices, play in non-competitive games, thus they find enjoyment while playing with other participants. It motivates them to practice and “excel” in the sport he/she likes.

2. Teamwork – Special athletes learn to cooperate with the team and try to foster unity and camaraderie to their own enjoyment and those people who are supportive of special Olympics.

3. Cognitive development - It offers the children an alternative to classroom with its organization and rules can be used as a learning tool for introducing and practicing self-regulation and decision making skills. Sports schedule improves the concentration as well as organization of these children, whether it is an extracurricular sport or just a required physical education.

4. Physical wellness – Sports make them physically fit and healthy and become more conscious òf their diet.

5. Self-discipline and motivation – they like to go school and absenteeism are minimized to maintain their attendance in classroom activities and sport practices.

6. Buddy/peer system ís established - Older athletes guidethem to play the game correctly.

7. Good grooming and hygiene among athletes are remarkable as they are very proud to wear their uniforms and keep themselves smell sweet and huggable.

8. Sportsmanship and personal fulfillment are gained as they can understand and accept defeat and still humble in victory.

9. Special athletes become virtuous as they become friendly, helpful, and show a happy disposition and consider fellow athletes as friends not a competitor.

A world-wide organization which increased the individual’s self-image and social skills of special children is the Special Olympics International. Athletes around the worldenthusiastically wait every two years to gather together in a country and join in its athletes-friendly Olympics. My students joined this event in 1995 and the activities have enhanced their self-esteem and develop friendships with athletes from different countries.

The Special Olympics Philippines is a country member of Special Olympics International and it is guiding and supporting special schools in their sports programs and offers training for children with special needs in the following sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowling, football, gymnastics, power lifting, softball, table tennis.

BE AN ADVOCATE

Let me ask, are you a sport enthusiast? Love a sport? Aside from you’re planning to conduct a research on SpEd, why don’t you make yourself an active advocate for sports for special children. Be a paraeducator where you give the child support with the physical tasks that he finds difficult and self-confidence is built because he can participate in the sports.

PARAEDUCATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing instructional support in small groups

• Monitoring equipment usage and activity participation

• Providing one-on-one instruction

• Collaborating with the physical educator on a regular basis

• Modifying materials and/or equipment

• Collecting data on students, especially as it regards the student's IEP

• Providing personal care assistance

Learn about volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics Philippines, University of the Philippines, Room 134, U.P. Alumni Center, Diliman, Quezon City. Office number: 926-6947. Get involved… involvement with Special Olympics creates pride, lifelong friendship and it is extremely rewarding because it’s the special children that make a difference in our lives. God bless!

Teresita De Mesaesaesa is registered professional educator with 35 years of teaching profession as a SPED and as regular classroom teacher. She is a full-time professor, teaching special education courses in the Special Education Department of the College of Education, Philippine Normal University and the Directress/Principal of St. John Ma. Vianney Special Education Learning And Resource Center. For questions on SPED, send e-mail to MByouthsection@gmail.com