DAPE Developmental Adapted Physical Education
 
Welcome to my DAPE webpage. I would like to answer a few questions you may have concerning Adapted Physical Education and hopefully the following will help.

1. What is DAPE?
DAPE stands for Developmental Adapted Physical Education.
DAPE provides an educational support system for students with disabilities who cannot safely or successfully participate in physical education activities. DAPE recognizes the individual differences of learners and emphasizes a continuum of development. Through individualized instruction in a carefully planned program of diversified activities, students develop greater degrees of social independence, physical well being, emotional stability, and problem solving abilities.

2. Is DAPE a special education service?
DAPE is a special education service area defined by two areas of instructional support.

The term DEVELOPMENTAL focuses on outcomes to be achieved as a result of participation in the physical education program. Each individual student's unique needs is considered in determining instructional experiences necessary to achieve the desired outcomes.

The term ADAPTED focuses on individualizing the instructional process. Individualized instruction meets the unique individual needs of each student. Examples of options or alternatives may be: selecting the setting or environment; determining the pace of instruction; modifying equipment; limiting intensity or duration; providing appropriate independent or guided practice; team teaching; small group or individual group settings; or use of instructional support assistants. These are just some of the options that may be used.

3. Who is Eligible?
Students who are identified as needing assistance to participate safely and successfully in the physical education program may or may not haven an identified disability. Specific services and the service delivery system are determined by the individual student needs.

Students with special needs who are not disabled as defined by special education law and rule may require a modified physical education program. Special needs conditions include but are not limited to obesity; low physical and motor fitness; recovery from injuries or illnesses. Educational support services are provided by regular education program. (504)

Students identified as having a disability, defined by Special Education rule, may be eligible to receive DAPE. The eligibility is determined by the Minnesota criteria for special education services.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.