‘Understanding Adapted Physical Education’ is a fresh, forward-looking introductory textbook for all Adapted Physical Education (APE) courses.

Moving away from dated medical models towards a social-relational understanding of disability, it opens up the subject more effectively for students than cumbersome existing textbooks, offering evidence-based practical guidance throughout as well all introducing all the most important concepts and key theory. Written by a team of leading and emerging experts in APE, the book first introduces foundational issues related to disability and schools, and APE specifically. It then explores those impairments that are commonly experienced among students within public schools, including physical, intellectual and visual impairment, and describes strategies and best practice to reduce barriers to access and meaningful participation in physical education. The book also reviews important contemporary topics in the study and practice of APE, such as ableism, intersectionality, the use of language, adapted health education, APE outside of the classroom or gym, and Paralympic school days, to give students and pre-service teachers all the skills and knowledge they need to become effective practitioners.

With useful features in every chapter designed to encourage the reader to think about how they teach rather than simply what they teach, this an essential textbook for any APE course, and an invaluable reference for in-service teachers working with students with disabilities.

The book is accompanied by a test bank and additional practical exercises for use by instructors.