SCHS is preparing to organize its International Scientific Conference
Sharjah City for Human Services (SCHS) is preparing to organize the international scientific conference “Theory and Practice in Adapted Physical Education (APE)” in scientific partnership with California State University - Chico in the United States of America, and the Sharjah Education Academy. The conference will take place on March 6 and 7, 2024. It aims to shed light on sports and physical activities intended for people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and severe and multiple disabilities.
Therefore, Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of SCHS, has confirmed that the international scientific conference “Theory and Practice in APE” comes within the framework of keeping pace with modern developments within motion sciences, physical education, and others. SCHS is keen to shed more light on educational characteristics, the psychological and health aspects of such sports, as well as their practical applications and modern and advanced practices in services, applications and support for individuals and families.
Until now, despite its importance, the subject of APE has not received appropriate attention in the Arab countries, which requires more research and highlighting its educational, psychological, and health aspects related to the lives of individuals and families.
She said, “APE specializes in meeting the distinct needs of students with disabilities individually, who cannot benefit from general physical education lessons or need additional services for APE”.
She added, “APE teachers provide planning, evaluation, and consultation to general physical education teachers, as well as special instructional design and adaptations or modifications to the curriculum, tasks, tools, and/or environment so that the student can participate in all aspects of physical education.
There are also many benefits of APE for students with disabilities, such as physical and mental development, improving self-confidence, behavior, well-being, and health status. It increases students’ enjoyment of participation, meets sensory needs, and helps in learning new skills.
Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said, "(914) students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, severe and multiple disabilities benefited from special education services at SCHS. They constitute 78.38% of the total 1,166 students to whom SCHS provided its services in 2022-2023 academic year in classroom and family counseling service (according to statistics for the year 2022-2023).
She explained that the percentages and incidence rates of disabilities represented by autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and severe and multiple disabilities indicate a very large segment. The incidence of intellectual disability is about 10 out of every thousand, according to the revised Diagnostic Statistical Manual issued by the American Psychiatric Association in 2022 DSM-5-TR.
According to the same evidence, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder outside the United States is 1 in every 100 of the general population, while the percentage inside the United States is between 1 and 2% of the general population. As for the prevalence of multiple disabilities, it is estimated at about 1 to 2 in every 1,000, according to The Comprehensive Guide to Disability Terminology in its second edition, issued in 2017 by the Executive Office of the Council of Labor Ministers and the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs in the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The conference on theory and practice in APE can encourage sports organizations and governmental and community agencies to support sports designated for persons with disabilities and provide them with the necessary support to achieve successes in the sports field. Moreover, the Adapted Sports Conference can contribute to changing society's general perception towards persons with disabilities, and achieving equality and justice in the field of sports and physical activity.
Conference objectives
One of the most important goals of the conference is to raise awareness about the latest developments and modern practices in the field of APE for people with disabilities (intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, severe and multiple disabilities), and to develop the programs and services by highlighting them, providing new knowledge, and sharing distinguished experiences about APE.
The conference also aims to contribute to modifying and adapting the available curricula and standards in a way that is compatible with APE that suits all categories and types of disabilities and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families, especially those with mental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and severe and multiple disabilities, and learning about successful experiences, distinctive and attracting the best and latest practices in the field.
Conference themes
The first theme: Qualification in the field of APE for people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and severe and multiple disabilities. It includes tests (evaluation) and curricula or programs used in APE, theory and practice in APE, therapeutic recreation and sports for people with disabilities, sports and tourism and accessibility, professional development (lifelong education) for workers in the field, APE and behavioral challenges, policies and strategies in APE, families’ experiences in the field of APE.
The second theme is: Health and safety in the field of APE for people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and severe and multiple disabilities. It includes the health benefits and medical aspects related to APE, a safe environment for students during the practice of APE (security and safety), nutrition issues and their relationship to healthy sports for people with disabilities.
The third theme is: Technology in the field of APE for people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and severe and multiple disabilities, the latest technologies and tools available to help people with disabilities in practicing sports, modern technology in APE, electronic sports, and virtual reality.
the fourth theme is: Inclusive education in the field of APE for people with mental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and severe and multiple disabilities, inclusive games and activities, preparing the APE teacher, the role of the APE teacher within teams working with people with disabilities, modifying curricula in the field of physical education, volunteering, APE, Olympic education, APE, and sustainable development.
The conference will witness a group of interactive adapted sports activities in the form of different corners.
Those wishing to know all the details related to the conference and the conditions for participation. They can visit SCHS website.