WVU students create at-home adapted physical activities during COVID-19

Athletic coaching education students at West Virginia University are helping youth with disabilities stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic using a unique distance learning environment. 

SAMANTHA ROSS VIDEO:

"We are creating an inclusive scavenger hunt for children with disabilities to do at home. At the beginning of the semester WVU students were providing an adaptive physical education program on campus. After COVID-19, we had to get creative with how we could provide these services virtually. Lizzy, Danny and Kenny went above and beyond to create a three-part series that included modifications so that children of all ability levels could participate virtually."

“The ACE 488 students developed an adapted scavenger hunt series on YouTube. Their efforts were recognized by Steppingstones, who shared the series on their Facebook page. This video series will serve many children with disabilities currently at home with limited resources. It has been provided to adapted physical education specialists of Monongalia County Schools to share with teachers and families. Their efforts will have a positive impact and encourage children with disabilities to stay physically active at home.” – Samantha Ross, assistant professor, physical education and kinesiology 

“For our at-home physical adapted activity program, we decided to do a scavenger hunt where kids go around their house or their yard and do exercises after they find each task card. We brainstormed fun activities kids would genuinely like to participate in. Our main goal of the project was not just to turn something in for a grade in a class but create something that these kids would enjoy and truly engage in.” – Elizabeth Mayfield, senior athletic coaching education student 

“These projects took many late-night FaceTimes and much texting and emailing to make it work. With everyone being home and far apart, it made it difficult to manage. We made the videos accessible for athletes of all abilities. There is a workout for able-bodied athletes, athletes with lower limb impairments and athletes with lower and/or upper body impairments. Often those with disabilities are overlooked. We were happy to do our part for the students.” – Kenneth Cranston, senior athletic coaching education student

 
“The at-home adapted physical education program has been interesting. Finding the equipment was easy since everyone has a chair and some open space at their house. The results have been great so far. Our videos were sent to Oregon to adapted physical education classes. A graduate assistant in CPASS used to work there and wanted to showcase our work in the community.” – Daniel Shaver, senior athletic coaching education student 

Resources
Link to original story: CPASS students create at-home adapted physical activities during COVID-19  
Adapted scavenger hunt series on YouTube
Adapted scavenger hunt task cards
Read about the athletic coaching education program
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences website

kac/05/26/20 
CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon

Communications Specialist

College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences

304-692-8580; kimberly.cameon@mail.wvu.edu

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