Adapting Possibilities: WoodsEdge Students Experience Inclusive Physical Education Through Innovation

At WoodsEdge Learning Center, physical education is being reimagined to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate, engage, and succeed while meeting their individual goals. 

In the school’s adapted PE classes, students with Severe Multiple Impairments (SXI) are experiencing movement and play in ways that are thoughtfully designed intentionally to ensure access and meaningful participation. Through creativity, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of each learner, adapted physical education teacher Josh Gottlieb has transformed traditional physical education activities into accessible, meaningful experiences. 

At the heart of this work is a collection of handmade adaptive equipment that Gottlieb specifically created to meet the unique needs of his students. Each piece is intentionally designed to support participation so students can engage in activities like throwing, striking, kicking, and others to align with their individual abilities, while honoring each students strengths and supporting skill development. 

The impact on students is clear. With opportunities designed around their strengths, students engage more fully in class and build confidence in their abilities. Staff have observed that students are so connected to these experiences that transitions out of class can be challenging because they often want to keep going! 

This kind of engagement is especially meaningful for SXI students, where regular movement and physical activity plays an important role in overall well-being. By creating opportunities that reflect each student’s needs, the adapted PE program supports not only physical development, but also independence, joy, and a sense of success on each learner’s own terms. 

Staff at WoodsEdge note that these adaptations go beyond equipment, they represent a commitment to inclusion and student-centered learning. WoodsEdge Paraprofessional, Jennifer Passavant shares that the goal is to show how “with some ingenuity and thoughtful planning, our SXI students can participate in a way that fits their needs.” 

The adapted gym program at WoodsEdge serves as a powerful example of how educators can remove barriers and expand access through thoughtful innovation. By meeting students where they are and designing with intention, the team is helping ensure that physical education is truly for everyone.