Presentation Description: This session examines how flag rugby creates pathways to athletic participation for all students through intentional collaboration with Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Special Education professionals. The flag-first, co-taught model supports neurodivergent learners, integrates with IEP and inclusion goals, and builds genuine leadership skills in general education students. Critically, every athlete has a real high performance pathway including recruitment by USA Rugby, World Rugby, Special Olympics, Paralympics, and Team USA, as well as collegiate and elite programs. Inclusive sport is not the end of the road. It is the beginning.
Learn how to create a successful Unified Physical Education program that brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together through meaningful participation. This session will provide practical steps for planning, gaining administrative support, scheduling, and implementing a Unified PE class. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use resources and strategies to foster inclusion, leadership, and belonging in their schools.
Discover how inclusive fitness and wellness practices can improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all students. Participants will explore Special Olympics Health and Fitness resources, adaptive activities, and evidence-based strategies that promote lifelong healthy habits while ensuring every student has meaningful opportunities to participate and succeed.
Gain confidence in understanding and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in the physical education setting. This session will break down key components of an IEP, discuss accommodations and modifications, and provide practical strategies for collaborating with special education teams to create meaningful and inclusive learning experiences for every student.
Strong collaboration between physical educators and paraprofessionals creates better outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. This session will explore effective communication, clearly defined roles, and collaborative strategies that maximize student independence, engagement, and success during physical education. Participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen their instructional team.
Effective classroom management creates an environment where every student can learn, participate, and thrive. Explore practical routines, proactive behavior strategies, and inclusive instructional techniques designed to support students with a wide range of abilities. Participants will gain tools to build positive relationships, increase engagement, and create a culture of belonging in physical education.
Discover practical mindfulness strategies that can be used in the classroom to help students strengthen focus and manage anxiety. This session also introduces audio described yoga as an accessible movement practice that supports whole body learning. Educators will gain tools for helping students build flexibility, increase body awareness, and develop muscle strength. These simple & purposeful activities can be woven into daily routines and can support students’ well-being throughout their lives.
Discover how Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools and Unified Sports can transform school culture by promoting inclusion, leadership, and meaningful participation for all students. Learn how to start or strengthen a Unified program, engage students as leaders, and access free Special Olympics resources that support inclusive opportunities beyond the physical education classroom.
Introducing Paralympics sports in physical education is a powerful way to foster disability awareness and inclusion. This interactive session introduces goalball, a Paralympics sport designed specifically for individuals with visual impairments. Attendees will learn the fundamental rules of the sport and take away practical, ready-to-use strategies for teaching goalball skills to students of all abilities. Come ready to move and participate!
Explore engaging and developmentally appropriate activities that make physical education accessible for young learners of all abilities. Participants will experience inclusive games, adaptive teaching strategies, and Special Olympics Young Athletes resources designed to build motor skills, confidence, and social connections while creating positive movement experiences for every child.
Move beyond simply meeting legal requirements and discover what authentic inclusion looks like in physical education. This session will explore strategies for becoming a stronger advocate for students with disabilities, fostering inclusive school cultures, and creating equitable opportunities where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Here's your introduction to Goalball, a Paralympic sport invented for people with visual impairment played solely with sound and touch. In this session you will learn about the sport and leave with a blueprint to teach this fast-paced, unique sport to your students! **Will need volunteers, come ready to play**
Physical education is critically important for students with visual impairment to combat sedentary lifestyles and develop overall physical fitness, motor planning, and self-esteem. This session will focus on increasing knowledge of the disability of visual impairment as well as introducing teaching strategies and equipment to provide accessible fitness activities for students who are not able to learn visually.
