Unified Physical Education
Unified Physical Education provides a unique opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together through ongoing educational and physical activities, using the power of Special Olympics.
The Unified Physical Education course is structured around SHAPE America’s National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education. Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students as well as the empowerment of all students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment.
How Does Unified Physical Education Work?
Unified PE concepts can be incorporated into an existing course curriculum or used to develop a new course. The Unified Physical Education Resource Guide includes options for integrating physical activity, fitness, sports, health, wellness, nutrition and student leadership into the class and broader school community. Teachers can pick and choose which items they would like to use from a “menu” of options.
As a first step, contact your state Special Olympics staff to determine how Unified Physical Education could be part of your school’s physical education curriculum.
Read More About Unified PE
MD’s Anne Arundel Country Schools Celebrate New Unified PE and Dance Courses
Fostering Social Inclusion Through Unified PE
Changing School Cultures Through Unified Physical Education
Related Articles
Supporting the Basic Psychological Needs of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities
Helping Students with a Disability Meet the National Standards and Grade-level Outcomes
Special Olympics Resources
- Unified Physical Education Resource Guide, co-authored by SHAPE America members Mike Messerole and Sue Tarr.
- Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Resources
- Special Olympics Fitness Resources
- Unified Champion Schools Research Infographic
- Unified Generation
- Program Locator by State
