APE

Adapted Physical Education

Adapted Physical Education Services

All students who receive special education services must receive instruction in physical education. Great physical education teachers, using curricula tied to national standards, employing appropriate and evidenced-based instructional practices, is foundational to adapting physical education for ALL learners.

Do you have concerns around a student's access to physical education? Fill out the following form for consultation/evaluation requests!

Want to stay up to date on Adapted PE news? Subscribe to our newsletter by emailing APE consultant Rhyanne Hartwig. In case you've missed it, archive of each monthly



Resources for teachers and parents helping students stay active at home. Physical Education and Health activities are essential in dealing with the pandemic for bodies, behavior and brains keeping us healthy, active and calm.


The research is convincing. The best thing we can do for our brains and learning is to get students moving.


Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based set of principles to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and effective for ALL learners.  is a short film about playground inclusion.


Physical Education Resources

  • , includes physical education and health education as part of a “well-rounded” education, which should be offered to all students.

View Adapted PE Videos





Information for Parents

Physical education is essential to a student’s overall education experience and builds a foundation for lifelong healthy living. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) requires schools to provide a “free appropriate public education” in the “least restrictive environment” including “instruction in physical education.”


Services and Supports for Physical Educators

Designed to meet the needs of physical educators delivering instruction, specially designed if necessary, to ALL children ages 3-21 who receive special education services and are required by federal law to have instruction in physical education. Physical education equipment check out and delivery.


Physical Education and Students with Disabilities

IDEA 2004 requires that students with disabilities receive physical education services, specially designed if necessary.


Physical Education Equipment Available for Checkout

Differentiating instruction for diverse learners is easy when you have the right piece of equipment. Equipment in this collection supports inclusive physical education placements as well as adapted physical education classes. It can be used by all students for success.

Contact Rhyanne Hartwig for check-out. Items can be delivered to schools via the 

Low-tech solutions to inclusion: Toys from Trash
Many recycled or inexpensive items can be used to augment or adapt physical education equipment. Here are designs for some unique "toys" from trash!

View Designs





Buy or Purchase at a Discount

 facilitates a voluntary purchasing program to help Iowa schools save money. Combined purchasing power offers aggressive pricing. Athletic and physical education equipment is part of this program. Check these prices before ordering.


Equipment prepared by Ripley Marston, professor at the University of Northern Iowa.

Important contacts

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Rhyanne Hartwig

Adapted PE Consultant

Email Rhyanne Hartwig