Adapted Physical Activity
Kinesiology graduate program option
Physical activity for some is good, physical activity for all is better
Advocate for physical activity for all
Adapted physical activity is a unique and comprehensive area of study designed to develop professionals to respond to the motor physical activity and physical fitness needs of people with disabilities.
This option within the kinesiology graduate program builds on the college’s history of commitment and academic excellence in programs for people with disabilities.
Gain practical experience
Students interested in the adapted physical activity option can develop skills in program development, teaching and research specializing in people with disabilities from infants through adulthood.
The curriculum offers a strong theoretical base and practical educational experiences, such as:
Winston Kennedy, DPT
Kinesiology doctoral student
The medical field is not really concerned about physical activity opportunities for certain groups of people, but the adapted physical activity program wants to address just that."
See how Winston is working to improve access to physical activity.
Disabilities research
Co-Directors
- Megan MacDonald, IMPACT for Life Faculty Scholar
- Heidi Wegis
- Sam Logan
- Andrew Pitchford
Research labs
Faculty and graduate student conduct research in the following laboratories.
Adapted physical activity career options
You’ll be able to find work in academia, health service organizations, CDC and WHO field programs, research institutions, consulting firms, educational fields, foundations and private companies and more.
Sample careers:
- Academic
- Researcher
- Educational leader
- Consultant
- Data manager and analyst
- Policy research analyst
Related information
Resource guide
Student Mandy Sargeant has developed a Resource guide to raising a child with a disability in the Mid-Willamette Valley (pdf).
This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S. Department of Education.