Special Education

General Knowledge

The course is also offered to exchange programme students.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will acquire: Knowledge -Knowledge of the basic stages of human development and the specific characteristics and disorders experienced by individuals with disabilities. -Understanding of the main characteristics of students with developmental disorders (intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD). -Knowledge of sensory system disorders and their impact on the psychomotor development of children. -Understanding of motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, and their consequences on children's participation and autonomy. -Recognition of the symptoms of an epileptic seizure and the ability to intervene immediately in the event of its occurrence within the school environment. Skills -Ability to assess children's psychomotor development using appropriate evaluation tools. -Design of suitable exercise programs tailored to the individual educational needs of each child. -Implementation of psychomotor activities to improve the mobility of individuals with motor difficulties resulting from cerebral palsy or other forms of motor disabilities. Adaptation of Physical Education teaching according to the needs of students with disabilities and/or special educational needs. Abilities -Design of individualized educational interventions tailored to the special educational needs of each student. -Ability to meet the demands of the teaching role by addressing the basic needs of all students within a classroom. -Creation and implementation of appropriate adaptations to exercises, the school environment, and teaching methods, aiming to enhance participation and effectively support the inclusion of children with disabilities and/or special educational needs in Physical Education lessons.

Course Aim and Description The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of Special Education and highlights the importance of Physical Education in supporting and educating children with disabilities and/or special educational needs. The content focuses on the historical development and legal framework of Special Education, key theories of psychomotor development, as well as disorders that affect children's development and participation in school-based physical activity. Particular emphasis is placed on the design of individualized programs and the implementation of adaptations in Physical Education to meaningfully support the inclusion of all students. The course also addresses specific issues such as cerebral palsy, sensory impairments, learning difficulties, and epilepsy, and provides guidelines for the educational response to these conditions. Course Objectives Through the course, the following objectives are pursued: -Understanding of the basic concepts and principles of Special Education. -Familiarization with types of disabilities and the specific educational needs of students. -Understanding of the impact of psychomotor and sensory disorders on school inclusion. -Development of skills related to the assessment and design of individualized programs. -Acquisition of knowledge for implementing appropriate adaptations in Physical Education. Weekly Content and Learning Outcomes Week Content Learning Outcomes Week 1 Introduction to Special Education: historical overview, legal framework, types of disability. Acquisition of fundamental knowledge regarding the institutional and conceptual framework of Special Education (Knowledge) Week 2 Basic principles of Special Education. Program objectives. Role of Physical Education Understanding the aims of Special Education and the contribution of Physical Education (Knowledge) Week 3 Individualized Educational Program. Exercise adaptations and modifications. Development of skills in designing adapted interventions (Skill – Competence). Week 4 Growth and physical development. Prenatal development. Chromosomal abnormalities. Understanding of biological factors affecting development (Knowledge) Week 5 Theories of psychomotor development. Developmental stages. Assessment and evaluation. Acquisition of psychomotor assessment skills (Skill) Week 6 Intellectual disability: classifications, educational approaches, and support strategies. Understanding characteristics of intellectual disability and relevant educational interventions (Knowledge – Competence) Week 7 Autism spectrum disorders: communication, behavior, inclusion strategies. Understanding the needs of students with ASD and inclusion methods (Knowledge – Skill) Week 8 Neurodevelopmental disorders. Learning difficulties. Speech disorders. ADHD Identification of characteristics and challenges in the educational process (Knowledge – Competence) Week 9 Nervous system. Motor mechanism. Motor control Understanding of the neurophysiological basis of movement (Knowledge) Week 10 Cerebral palsy: etiology, classification, motor activities. Development of suitable Physical Education interventions (Skill – Competence). Week 11 Epilepsy: classification, response strategies, first aid Development of knowledge and skills for managing crises in school settings (Knowledge – Skill) Week 12 Visual impairments and blindness. Kinesthetic perception. Interventions and adaptations Development of strategies for exercise adaptations for students with visual impairments (Competence) Week 13 Hearing impairments – deafness. Spinal disorders. Educational support Design of educational and motor interventions (Skill – Competence) Teaching Methods The course is delivered through: • Lectures and interactive discussions • Case presentations and scenario analyses • Group activities and practical applications • Audiovisual material and observation of symptoms/adaptations Learning Resources & Materials Students will have access to: • Course notes and scientific articles via Moodle • Recommended bibliography related to disorders and intervention in Physical Education • Assessment tools and examples of individualized programs Course Assessment • Written final exam (80%) consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions • Assessment of problem-solving skills through oral discussion during lectures (20%)

Special Education, disability, developmental disorders, adapted physical activity, psychomotor develoment

05-07-2025