This project will prepare 80 adapted physical education (APE) specialists highly trained in working with individuals with low-incidence disabilities from birth through their transition into adulthood, including specialized training in autism and cultural diversity. Discipline-specific, research-based, and collaborative training will be provided. METHOD: Activities of this project include: (a) preparing APE teachers with the skills required to meet the needs of youth from diverse cultural and language backgrounds, including students from low-income/high poverty families and English learners with disabilities; (b) providing field-based experiences for preservice students specifically addressing the needs of children with disabilities including autism, early intervention, school-aged populations, and transitions programs in rural areas of poverty; (c) integrating intensive yet accessible training in research-based practices that improve outcomes for children with disabilities into the program curriculum; and (d) designing a support network to ensure scholars retention and success in the preparation program and in the profession following graduation in order to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Autism Research Database (AFD)
