CSULB APE Alumni Newsletters

Adapted Physical Education Making A Difference

In The Lives of Individuals with Disabilities

Since the late 1960s, the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at CSU, Long Beach has made a commitment to offer students a diversified and comprehensive academic program in Adapted Physical Education (APE), a course of study in the administration and implementation of physical activity for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Students studying in this program can receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a California Single Subject Clear Credential in Physical Education with a Specialist Credential in APE. Also offered is a Master of Arts Degree with a specialization in APE. Students can select from a variety of coursework specific to APE as well as a variety of exciting supervised practicum experiences ranging from preschool to adult age populations of various disabilities. These experiences include: the Preschool Motor Development Center and the Perceptual Motor Development Clinic, on campus physical activity programs for preschool age children 3 to 6 years and young children ages 6 to 12 years; and Camp Nugget, an on-campus summer fitness, skill, aquatics and sport programs for young children 5 to 12 years of age with disabilities and asthma; the Beach Wellness Program, on campus individualized exercise program for university students with disabilities; the Breath Games, a campus track and games meet for young children with asthma; and the Rancho Los Amigos Sport Program, a variety of physical activity and sport experiences (i. e. Wheelchair Basketball) to individuals with orthopedic disabilities. In addition, a wide variety of Public School experiences are available on the preschool through secondary level.

Students studying in this program can receive a Masters of Arts Degree with a specialization in APE. A variety of courses are offered and include such specific topics to this program of study as; Applied Behavior Analysis, Developmental Aspects of Motor Behavior, Physical Education Programming for Individuals With Disabilities, Motor Dysfunction in Individuals with Disabilities, and Seminar in APE. Directed studies are also available for the student to work closely on a variety of topics of interest. In addition, a wide variety of exciting supervised practicum experiences are offered across the lifespan ranging from preschool to adult age populations of various disabilities. These practicums include on campus clinics, public school experiences and a sport program at the Ranch Los Amigos Medical Center. Many students while studying toward their master’s degree elect to receive a California Single Subject Clear Credential in Physical Education with a Specialist Credential in APE.

Since 1989 over a 125 of our graduates have received a California Single Subject Clear Credential in Physical Education with a Specialist Credential in APE and all have secured teaching position primarily in Southern California. We are extremely proud of our alumni who are teaching APE throughout the state and making a differences in the lives of individuals with disabilities. For more information contact: Dr. Barry Lavay, (562) 985-4077 or blavay@csulb.edu

2001 KPE Alumni Newsletter

Adapted Physical Education Program

By Barry Lavay APE Coordinator

                        Congratulations to the following students and teachers who recently received their Adapted Physical Education (APE) Specialist Credential during the 2000 school year; Charles Almand, Kelly Dornan, Ralph Mendoza, Anne Marie Menton, Jodi Parker, Anette Seino, Christine Shelgosh, James Tabb, and Margaritia Torres. Most of these individuals have secured APE teaching positions in Southern California. In fact, during the past twelve years, the job placement ratio for CSULB APE graduates has been over 97% with over 125 of our students securing teaching position primarily in Southern California.

            We are certainly proud of all our CSULB APE alumni and the teaching and leadership they provide. Congratulations to Jim Tabb who is currently working on his Master’s Degree and has a Graduate Assistant in APE at Oregon State University. Congratulations to Anne Marie Menton, APE Specialist Oceanview School District, who recently presented at the 2001 CAHPERD State Conference. Her co-presentation titled, “Thriving or Surviving in APE” provided many strategies and insights that beginning APE teachers must take into consideration when starting their first APE teaching position. During the past year Anne Marie also served as Co-chair of the Future Professionals Section. Congratulation is also in order to Marnie Young, APE Specialist Oceanside USD who this May will become the Chair of State Council of Adapted Physical Education  (SCAPE). We are looking forward to Marnie’s vision and leadership for APE in California.

The 30^th National Conference on Physical Activity for the Exceptional Individual (2001) will be in Los Angles at the Westin Hotel near the LAX on November 8-10. As co-program chair I am very excited about the number of quality presentation from nationally recognized leaders in the field of adapted physical activity. During the conference you can register and take the Adapted Physical Education National Exam (APENS). For more information about the exam and APENS certification you can email (APENS@venus.twu.edu) or go to the website on Texas Woman’s University -Project Inspire http://venus.twu.edu/~f_huettig/ website. Registration information for the 30^th conference can be obtained by contacting the CAHPERD office. Also, The SCAPE has recently developed a website and you can obtain more information about the conference and other happening in APE by going to this site at www.cahperd.org/SCAPE/E-SCAPE.

            During the past few years I have been communicating with many of the CSU, Long Beach APE program graduates by e-mail. If you would like to become part of this communication, send me your e-mail address at blavay@csulb.edu. I look forward to hearing from you. I hope you have had an opportunity to check out the CSULB Adapted Physical Activity web page (www.csulb.edu/programs/apa/). There is a section on the page that includes hyperlinks to over 30 of the top web sites in Adapted Physical Activity. In addition, the site also includes; a program overview of the CSULB APE Program with coursework offerings and practicum experiences. The site includes information regarding graduate studies in APE where students can receive a Masters of Arts Degree with a specialization in APE. Many students while studying toward their Master’s Degree elect to receive a California Single Subject Clear Credential in Physical Education with a Specialist Credential in APE. For more information please contact: Dr. Barry Lavay, Adapted Physical Education Coordinator, CSU, Long Beach, Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, (562) 985-4077, e-mail, blavay@csulb.edu, www.csulb.edu/programs/apa/.

2000 KPE Alumni Newsletter

Adapted Physical Education Program

By Barry Lavay APE Coordinator

            Congratulations to the following students and teachers who received their Adapted Physical Education (APE) Specialist Credential during the 1999 school year; Ayline Amirayan, Diane Cooper, Michelle Garay, Bill Moll, Todd Oshiro, Melissa Salderfer, and Carol Schreiner. The majority of these individuals have secured APE teaching positions in Southern California. In fact, during the past ten years, the job placement ratio for graduates has been over 97% with over 125 of our students securing APE teaching position primarily in Southern California

            Congratulations to Anne-Marie Menton who recently received the State Council on Adapted Physical Education Julius Spizzirri Award. This is a  $500.00 scholarship, awarded to a dedicated student to help support them during their APE student teaching experience. Anne-Marie received her award at the spring CAHPERD conference in Long Beach and is currently completing her student teaching in APE with the Fountain Valley School District. She is very active in CAHPERD and next year will serve as chair of the Future Professionals Section.

            Also During the CAHPERD Conference, Lisa Hilborn (CSULB Class of 1993), Director and Head Coach of the Rancho Los Amigos Wheelchair Sport Department received the Emmett Ashford Community Spirit Award. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a desire to achieve self-excellence in their field and help others. Congratulations to Lisa who is well deserving of this award.

            The 29th National Conference on Physical Activity for the Exceptional Individual will be held in Fresno at the Radison Hotel on October 12-14, 2000. The following year The 30^th National Conference on Physical Activity for the Exceptional Individual (2001) will be in Los Angles at the Westin Hotel near the LAX on November 8-10. I will  be co-program chair for this conference, so please contact me if you are interested in presenting. This is an excellent conference and an opportunity to listen to presentations from top professionals in the field of adapted physical activity on the national level. In addition, plan on attending the socials and meeting many of the CSULB APE alumni. Registration can be obtained by contacting the CAHPERD office.

            During the past few years I have been communicating with many of the CSU, Long Beach APE program graduates by e-mail. If you would like to become part of this communication, send me your e-mail address at blavay@csulb.edu. I look forward to hearing from you.

            I hope you have had an opportunity to check out the Adapted Physical Activity web page (www.csulb.edu/programs/apa/). Recently, Dr. Emyr Williams and I developed a section on the page that includes hyperlinks to over 30 of the top web sites in Adapted Physical Activity. Also included is a paper that provides strategies for conducting searches in APA. In addition, the site also includes; a program overview of the CSULB APE Program, coursework offerings, practicum experiences, and extensive advising materials. The site includes information regarding graduate studies in APE where students can receive a Masters of Arts Degree with a specialization in APE. Many students while studying toward their Master’s Degree elect to receive a California Single Subject Clear Credential in Physical Education with a Specialist Credential in APE. For more information please contact: Dr. Barry Lavay, Adapted Physical Education Coordinator, CSU, Long Beach, Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, (562) 985-4077, e-mail, blavay@csulb.edu, www.csulb.edu/programs/apa/.

1999  KPE Alumni Newsletter

Adapted Physical Education Program

By Barry Lavay APE Coordinator

            Congratulations to the following students and teachers who received their Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential during the 1998-99 school year; Diane Copper, Jennifer Giles, Charles Hwang, Julia Jenkinson, Diane Larrabee, Scott Lebisker, Bill Moll, DiAnna Mowles, Drew Shandro, James Strom, Bill Swanson, and T. J. Troup. All of these individuals have secured APE teaching positions in Southern CA. In fact, during the past ten years, the job placement ratio for graduates has been over 97% with over 125 of our students securing APE teaching position primarily in Southern California

            Congratulations to Ayline Amirayan who recently received the State Council on Adapted Physical Education Julius Spizzirri Award. This is a  $500.00 scholarship, awarded to a dedicated student to help support them during their APE student teaching experience. Ayline received her award at the spring CAHPERD conference in Monterey and will do her student teaching in APE this fall.

            I hope you are planning to attend the 1999 National Conference on Physical Activity for the Exceptional Individual to be held in Costa Mesa at the Double Tree Hotel on October 28-30. This is an opportunity to listen to talks from some of the top professionals in the field of adapted physical activity on the national level. In addition, plan on attending the socials and meeting many of the CSULB APE alumni. Registration can be obtained by contacting the CAHPERD office.

            During the past few years I have been communicating with many of the CSU, Long Beach APE program graduates by e-mail. If you would like to become part of this communication, send me your e-mail address at blavay@csulb.edu. I Look forward to hearing from you.

            Check out the recently developed web page (www.csulb.edu/programs/apa/) for the APE teaching option. The sites includes; a program overview, coursework offerings, practicum experiences, extensive advising materials, and links to other APE sites. The site also includes information regarding graduate studies in APE  where students can receive a Masters of Arts Degree with a specialization in APE. The program offers a variety of courses and dynamic supervised practicum experiences across the lifespan. Practicum experiences reange from preschool to adult age populations of various disabilities and include on campus clinics, public school experiences and a sport program at the Ranch Los Amigos Medical Center. Many students while studying toward their master’s degree elect to receive a California Single Subject Clear Credential in Physical Education with a Specialist Credential in APE. For more information please contact: Dr. Barry Lavay, Adapted Physical Education Coordinator, CSU, Long Beach, Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, (562) 985-4077, e-mail, blavay@csulb.edu, www.csulb.edu/programs/apa/.

1998  KPE Alumni Newsletter

Adapted Physical Education Program

By Barry Lavay APE Coordinator

The Adapted Physical Education (APE) Specialist Credential Program in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education offers one of the most comprehensive programs of study in the United States. Since 1988, The job placement ratio for graduates has been 97% with over 120 of our students securing APE teaching position primarily in Southern California. Congratulations to the following students and teachers who received their APE Specialist Credential during  the 1997-1998 school year; Barabara Carlson, Paul Commins, Charles Hwang, Diane Larrabe, Mike Leach,Scott Leibsker, Diana Mowles,  Marianne O’ Brien, Aaron Roberston, Yvonne Rodriquez, Joel Sebastian, Karen Self,  Melissa Stinson, Charee Vogel, and Michelle Williams.

A variety of dynamic APE Practicum Experiences are offered each year and include: the Preschool Motor development Center and the Perceptual Motor Development Clinic, on campus physical activity programs for preschool age children 3 to 5 years and young children ages 6 to 12 years; Camp Nugget and Asthma Camp, on campus summer fitness, skill, aquatics and sport programs for young children 5 to 12 years of age with disabilities and asthma; the Adapted Wellnes Center, on campus individualized exercise program for university students with disabilities; the CABA Goal Ball Games, offered each fall on campus for persons who are blind and with visual disabilities; the Air Power Games, a campus track and games meet for young children with asthma; and the Rancho Los Amigos Sport Program, a variety of physical activity and sport experiences (eg., Wheelchair Basketball) to individuals with orthopedic disabilities. In addition, a wide variety of Public School experiences are available on the preschool through secondary level. Currently we have over 20 public school APE sites that students can choose from that are taught by APE Specialist Credential Teachers who are alumni of the CSULB program. A special “thank you” to these professionals for helping to mentor students studying to be future APE teachers!

Graduate Studies in APE  are offered and students can receive a Masters of Arts Degree with a specialization in APE. A variety of courses and dynamic supervised practicum experiences are offered across the lifespan ranging from preschool to adult age populations of various disabilities. Many students while studying toward their master’s degree elect to receive a California Single Subject Clear Credential in Physical Education with a Specialist Credential in APE. For more information please contact: Dr. Barry Lavay, Adapted Physical Education Coordinator, CSU, Long Beach, Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, (562) 985-4077, E-mail, blavay@csulb.edu

1997  KPE Alumni Newsletter

Adapted Physical Education Program

By Barry Lavay APE Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students and teachers who received their Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential during  the 1996-97 school year; Barabara Carlson, Paul Commins, Margaret  Moss, Rita McAullife, Diane Newson,  Tom Pescatelo, Bob Pruden, Aaron Roberston, Yvonne Rodriquez, Joel Sebastian, Karen Self, Greg Steinhaus, Melissa Stinson, Ken Turner, and Michelle Williams. The Adapted Wellness Center in July will have completed its second successfully year of  operation. This facility is located in the CSULB Pyramid and is part of the campus fitness facility.  The program provides wellness (i.e. individualized prescribed fitness) programs to faculty, staff, and students with disabilities attending CSU, Long Beach. Participants with disabilities can choose to exercise in the entire fitness center with nondisabled peers in an inclusionary setting or choose to exercise in the 1,000 square foot Adapted Wellness Center which is part of the facility. The Adapted Wellness Center includes staff to assist individuals with disabilities with their wellness programs. For more information please contact: Dr. Barry Lavay, Adapted Physical Education Coordinator, CSU, Long Beach, Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, (562) 985-4077, E-MAIL, BLAVAY@CSULB.EDU.

1996  KPE Alumni Newsletter

Adapted Physical Education Program

By Barry Lavay APE Coordinator

            Congratulations to the following students and teachers who received or will receive their Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential during  the 1995-1996 school year; Kay Barmore, Sue Buch, Fran Buckless, Karen Courter, Joyce Curran, Jenny Hess, Jennifer Hustead, Linda Engolhm,  Michele Fraser, Toni Guestalla, Brenda Lopez, Collette McNiel, Tina Nickerson, Debra Patterson, Yvonnne Redman, and Ken Younger.

            The Adapted Wellness Center is located in the CSULB Pyramid, Physical Education and Athletic facility. The Adapted Wellness Center is part of the campus fitness facility and designed to provide wellness (i.e. individualized prescribed fitness) programs to faculty, staff, and students with disabilities attending CSU, Long Beach. Participants with disabilities can choose to exercise in the entire fitness center with nondisabled peers in an inclusionary setting or choose to exercise in the 1,000 square foot Adapted Wellness Center which is part of the facility. The Adapted Wellness Center includes staff to assist individuals with disabilities with their wellness programs. Participants have access to such adapted equipment as a six station Equalizer weight training system, 3 Monark upper extremity ergometers, lifecycles, and free weights. Participants membership in the Center also enables them to have access to the use all the other equipment which is typically found in a fitness facility (treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, and various weight machines).

            This past spring Dr. Barry Lavay conducted a series of workshop  to teachers and professors on assessment in adapted physical education at National Taiwan Normal University in Tapei, Taiwan. This fall a delegate of  teachers and professors from Taiwan plan to visit various APE programs in the United States. Plans are to visit the CSU, Long Beach APE program and schools in the area who offer exemplary programs of physical education to children with disablities. For more information regarding National Taiwan Normal University in Tapei, Taiwan visit to the Long Beach area or general information regarding the APE Program contact: Dr. Barry Lavay, (310) 985-4077 or email-BLAVAY@CSULB.EDU.