2026 SHAPE Iowa

What if the most powerful tools for inclusion in your physical education program weren’t found in a catalog—but in your storage closet, garage, or even your junk drawer?This session is designed for general physical education teachers who serve diverse learners without direct access to adapted PE support. Participants will explore how everyday, low-cost materials—such as PVC pipes, pool noodles, zip ties, wrapping paper, holiday lights, and even leaf blowers—can be transformed into highly effective tools for adapting instruction, increasing engagement, and improving access for students with disabilities.Attendees will leave with practical, easy-to-implement strategies that require minimal preparation and no additional budget.Through real-world examples, visual demonstrations, and classroom-tested ideas, participants will learn how to:Modify equipment and environments using accessible materialsIncrease participation and independence for students with a wide range of abilitiesCreate inclusive learning experiences without relying on specialized equipmentThink differently about the resources they already haveWalk away ready to turn everyday items into game-changing supports—and to confidently say, “I can make this work.”

To provide Tips and Tricks to enhance the Adaptive PE classes in Iowa. Finding ways to engage and boost Adaptive PE Programs.

Adapted Physical Education (APE) is a critical yet often overlooked component of quality physical education programming and special education services. This session will explore the role of Adapted Physical Education in supporting the whole child, while outlining school responsibilities related to physical education and individualized education programs (IEPs). Participants will gain a clear understanding of how APE fits within a continuum of services and how inclusive practices can support all learners in physical activity settings.
In addition, this presentation will address the current realities many schools face, including limited access to certified APE professionals, and the resulting reliance on general physical education teachers to deliver specialized instruction. Practical strategies will be shared to help schools build capacity, strengthen collaboration, and improve access to quality physical education for students with disabilities.
Participants will leave with actionable steps to:
Support inclusive and meaningful participation in physical educationEnsure compliance with legal requirementsAdvocate for the involvement of physical education teachers in the IEP process
Adapted Physical Education is not a privilege—it is a right.