The original focus of adapted physical activity was improved physical function and rehabilitation; however, such programs are now challenged to provide more than therapeutic activities. They are recognized for their potential to promote well-being, enhance self-worth, and foster empowerment. The Personal and Social Responsibility Model (PSRM), developed for underserved youth, has been recognized as an exemplary approach to motivating and empowering youth. Although the PSRM was developed for underserved youth, scholars in adapted physical activity have noted its relevance for children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the application of the PSRM in an adapted physical activity program. Using a collective case study, we explored the relevance and perceived benefits of the PSRM in an adapted martial arts program. Participants were five male children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Data sources included observational field-notes, medical records, and interviews with participants' physicians, therapists, and parents. Interviews focused on the children's demographic background, therapeutic goals, as well as their progress and interactions in the program. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Interview data were triangulated with field notes and formal evaluations contained in the medical records. These supporting data helped to elucidate the relevance of the PSRM and the modification strategies. Data were analyzed using inductive analysis and constant comparison. Data were initially organized around three categories: physical, personal, and social development. Seven themes emerged from the data initially. These were revised until four distinct themes that could be applied meaningfully to each case were developed. These were: increased sense of ability, positive feelings about the program, positive social interactions, and therapeutic relevance. Increased sense of ability, positive feelings about the program, and positive social interactions support the relevance and benefit of the PSRM for children with disabilities. Positive social interactions and positive feelings about participating in PSRM programs have been noted in studies on applications with underserved youth. In addition to these themes, an increased sense of ability supports the notion that the PSRM can provide particularly meaningful experiences for children with disabilities. The therapeutic relevance, in terms of physical improvement, may have as much to do with the physical activity itself as the PSRM. Based on these results, we suggest that effective implementation of the PSRM can be beneficial and meaningful in adapted physical activity. This seems especially likely to occur when it is coupled with appealing and therapeutically relevant material.Keyword(s): adapted physical activity, community-based programs, youth-at-risk