What is Adapted Physical Education (APE)?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) describes physical education as including “special physical education, adapted physical education, movement education, and motor development.” In California, adapted physical education, or APE, is provided as a related service in an IEP. An APE therapist provides accommodations or modifications to the gen ed PE program as either a pull-out or push-in service, or both. While APE therapists do not have the breadth of training and knowledge of a physical therapist, they also work on gross motor skills, including walking and strength-training exercises, as well as skills such as throwing and catching a ball.

For more information, see our article Related Services in an IEP.