Communication is an important tool in collaboration because...

Communication is a key component to collaborative practice because it is a method to release what is in your mind and a way to get personal ideas and strategies shared with others. Communication can be verbal, directly speaking your ideas, writing them down on paper or even non-verbal, the way you conduct your body language and mannerisms. Communications is key for collaboration because it also involves listening. Affective collaboration happens when all people are able to share ideas and also support other ideas that are mentioned, building a solution together.
In special education it is crucial to collaborate with others because I have found that it helps to become a better teacher. For example, I was working on a skipping goal with a student and during the Triennial IEP the OT was mentioning that this student was also struggling with balance on the right side of the body... This brought to my mind why skipping has been so challenging... the student would skip with the left, then walk with the right. I was so fascinated that I first did not notice the balance issue, and then was able to have a strategy to possibly improve this students balance first, then work on the skipping goal. Without that information I would still be struggling, gaining little ground and becoming frustrated with the lack of progress. 

Frame of reference is important because........

Frame of reference is important because it has given me my 'spine' to who I have became and who I am becoming. It is the bones of my character and my identity. I have been able to draw on past experiences, character traits I have found admiral in others, values I have been fortunate to be brought up in and professional and personal goals that I push myself towards. In the world of collaboration knowing who you are and where you have come from and where you desire to go is important, it is also important to articulate that to others and be willing to listen to different and often times conflicting opinions. I have found that withing collaboration if I am able to listen with a open mind and sincere empathy I can communicate more efficiently and affectedly. Understanding where other view points come from and acknowledging them with respect and disagreeing at times with that same respect is a powerful tool in collaboration. 

Introduction

I am a adaptive physical education teacher living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in a very small community. I have a husband and three very rad amazing children. I have worked in the area of physical education for nearly 7 years and have the privilege to teach APE this past year and coming school year. I have met and taught extremely wonderful children throughout those years. I also coach volleyball at the local community college... Go Claim Jumpers... when I am not teaching my family and I absolutely enjoy skiing, swimming competitively, playing softball, soccer and now and then running 1/2 marathons. We live in a old firehouse, which my husband bought years ago and it has been a joy to remodel and see our kids grow up in.

I have dedicated this blog to Adaptive Physical Education and the resources that are available for parents, teachers, and families that are connected to disabilities.

Ten Adapted Physical Education Resources

Ten Adapted Physical Education Resources

AAPHERD (manual)
 The purpose of this manual is to assist parents, educators, administrators, professionals, students, and other interested parties in finding resources related to adapted physical education. All resources culminated in this document are linked to the internet. It is the goal of the authors to facilitate the research of those interested in the field by compiling many links into one valuable resource.

PE Central                                        
Tool for teachers to find activities for their students with or without disabilites and gives great suggestions of modified equipment.

APENS
The mission of APENS is to promote the fifteen Adapted Physical Education Standards and national certification exam. 
The goal of APENS is to promote a nationally certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE) – the one qualified person who can make meaningful decisions for children with disabilities in physical education – within every school district in the country.

SPAN Advocacy
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, provides parents with tools and activities, techniquies, and strategies for their children who have disabilities.


Video on activities for students with visual impairments
Physical Activity for Elementary Age Children With Visual Impairments, Blindness or Deaf-Blindness
Gives ideas of activities that are appropriate for students with visual limitations, blind or deaf.



Autism Speaks
Resource for parents to find information about autism, activities in surrounding areas, and screenings.

United Cerebral Palsy

A resource for cerebral palsy and activities, equipment, literature and support networks


Down Syndrome
A place to learn about your child with down syndrome, connect to other parents and families as well as find support as your child grows up.

Spina Bifida
A tool to find the research and connect with other families connected to Spina Bifida

Emotionally Disturbed
A place where teachers, families can find information and check in with other families to discuss and give support.

APE Resources in Tuolumne County

These are my favorite APE resources available to children and young adults with special needs in the Tuolumne County area

1. Ski Unlimited 

•  a nonprofit organization dedicated to give every person with a disability the skiing experience- winter months Dodge Ridge Ski Area, society for the handicapped

2. Tuolumne Youth Soccer TOPS SOCCER

•  program (allows ALL) players regardless of needs or circumstances to enjoy, participate and PLAY the beautiful game of soccer. register May - Fall

3. Gymnastics

•  a gymnastic program that is very conducive to athletes with special needs)- all seasons Sonora Acro and Gymnastics ask for coach Kenny 209-532-2066

4. Adapted swim lessons

• Tuolumne County Recreation Department- summer months

5. Big Dreams Project

• organization dedicated to build a accessible park in Tuolumne county contact Sara Garcia or visit websit

6. Horseback Riding

• lessons and rides for people with disabilities, Kennedy Meadows

7. Special Olympics

•  summer and fall months, softball, tee ball, basketball, soccer, and track and field 209-532-0981

8. Track and Field Day

•  Tuolumne County Recreation Department, open to all children and young adults with disabilities, award and ribbons awarded at the end of the day- spring www.portal.co.tuolumne.ca.us/

9. Critters and Clay

• sing songs, and hear stories told at Pinecrest amphitheater. After songs and stories kids are invited to mold and paint clay

10. Placerville Autism and Special needs playgroup

• Placerville, meet up, find meetings, connect with families