Scheduled for Research Consortium Health and Special Populations Poster Session, Friday, April 15, 2005, 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Area I


Students Who Are Blind Attitudes Toward Sighted Peers, General Physical Education Teachers, and Activities Offered Within Inclusive General Physical Education Classes (Special Populations)

Barbara L. Robinson, Rochester, NY and Lauren J. Lieberman, State University of New York–College at Brockport, Brockport, NY

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of students who are visually impaired or blind and participate in inclusive general physical education (GPE) classes toward sighted peers, general physical education teachers, and activities offered in inclusive GPE classes. Few studies have been conducted regarding the attitudes of students with visual impairments and how general physical education teachers, sighted peers, and activities offered in GPE affect these students. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire ("Individuals who are Visually Impaired: Attitudes Toward General Physical Education"). Student ages 9 - 21 years that attended a one week summer sport camp and are enrolled in GPE classes during the school year participated. The questionnaire used a five point Likert Scale with answer choices that consisted of: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree. The questionnaire format also included open ended questions regarding Individual Education Plans (IEP), equipment modifications, rule modifications, and favorite activities. It was found that 70% of the students were not aware if they had an IEP, goals and objectives of the IEP, or if activities participated in met these goals. Eighty percent of the students indicated that modifications were not required for them to participate in activities offered in inclusive physical education. The students also indicated that favorite group games included football, basketball, and baseball. Students also indicated favorite individual activities included swimming, wrestling, archery, and walking. Least liked activities included baseball, swimming, football, running, and ultimate frisbee.
Keyword(s): physical activity, professional preparation, research

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