Date Approved

1-19-2018

Embargo Period

1-22-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA Special Education

Department

Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Education

College

College of Education

Advisor

Kuder, Sydney J.

Committee Member 1

Accardo, Amy

Keywords

adaptive, buddies, education, peer, physical

Subject(s)

Physical education for children with disabilities

Disciplines

Health and Physical Education | Special Education and Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to observe the participation levels of students with disabilities in an adaptive physical education class when typically developing students are included in the class as Peer Buddies. The goal was to observe if students' performance levels increased while performing with fellow peers. This study was undertaken to see the relationship between students with disabilities participation levels in an adaptive physical education class when peer buddies were integrated. A baseline test was completed in the beginning of the study and participation was observed through class activities as well as abdominal crunches. Data was observed and taken in week to graph the student's progression as peer buddies began increasing their level of involvement each week.

The results indicate that participation and abdominal crunches progression did overall increase with the peer buddies actively involved in the class dynamics. Through observation of the class it was evident that students were more eager to participate in class activities when a peer buddy was alongside of them performing the activity with them. Through this activity students also gained a social benefit in working with the peer buddies; students with disabilities gained friendships and confidence through this study.

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