Professor Dr. Ibrahim Al-Zarikat participated in the Middle East and North Africa Conference held at Al-Hashmia University, and Dr. Zarikat presented a scientific paper on "The Role of Modified Physical Activities in Inclusive Education".
Dr. Zarikat pointed out that blemded education means that all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, have the right to be exposed to learning experiences and to ensure full, equal opportunities in all activities of the school community, and to interact with their peers of all ability levels. Modified or conditioned physical activities include adapting teaching strategies, tools, means, environments and assessments to meet the needs of all students regardless of their abilities or executive performance. These activities are designed by a Modified PE teacher who also plays a role in supporting students with disabilities who wish to participate in other physical activities before, during and after school.
Inclusive education encourages students to take on the same roles and experiences as their non-disabled peers during physical education and other physical activities, Dr. Zarikat added. Modified physical activities develop interaction and social communication among students of various ability and performance levels, and help people with disabilities prevent health and psychological problems that disability may cause.
Dr. Zarikat emphasized that sports activities improve cognitive skills which help to gain learning experiences and achieve a better level of motivation for students of different abilities. Thus, modified sports activities achieve positive trends and more humane treatment for those with specific disabilities.