Gwen Williams Prize 2014–2015 Recipient
CAPES! Children’s Adaptive Physical Education Society!
Dr. James A. Zagrodnik, Department of Health Promotion & Human Performance
The purposes of CAPES are three-fold:
- To develop a community focused skill development initiative for children with developmental disabilities (e.g. autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, etc.) and their families
- To facilitate WSU students in PEP 3660: Physical Education for Students with Disabilities and EDUC 2010: Human Exceptionality to participate in practicum experiences designed to enhance their knowledge, understanding and application of various teaching and learning theories in relation to individuals with disabilities
- To provide an avenue of research into student teacher’s perceptions, beliefs on teaching and beliefs on learning in relation to individuals with disabilities
The outcomes of CAPES! have been:
- Starting an experiential teaching and learning environment that meets the needs of children with disabilities and their families to enhance independence.
- Providing WSU Teacher Education track students the opportunity to interact with children with disabilities in a safe one-on-one environment.
- Providing an avenue of research into the perceptions and changes student teachers experience while beginning to teach individuals with disabilities.
- Providing a positive environment where parents/guardians and families of children with disabilities could develop a support network and relationships to foster continued involvement and interaction.