The grant will be used to fund student stipends, increase hands-on learning opportunities and support outreach and recruitment efforts.
“Not only will this grant increase opportunities for our students, it will also provide them with the skills needed to create healthy and active communities for individuals, including those with disabilities,” said Chris Hopper, department chair.
HSU’s Adaptive Physical Education Credential Program prepares students to teach physical education to individuals with disabilities by developing competencies in perceptual motor development, aquatics, game and sports skills, and physical fitness. Participants receive an Adaptive Physical Education Credential, a Master of Science degree and a California Single Subject Teaching Physical Education Credential upon completing the program.
Humboldt State was one of nine applicants nationwide to receive the grant, which will be used to support federal initiatives that reduce obesity among individuals with disabilities, Hopper said. Examples include First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign and the “I Can Do It, You Can Do It!” initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disability.
The grant will also expand fieldwork opportunities for students, Hopper said. Current partnerships include the Humboldt County Office of Education, Fortuna and McKinleyville high schools, the city of Arcata and Eureka recreation divisions and the Northcoast Special Olympics, which hosts a basketball program on the HSU campus every year. Hopper said that plans are also underway to establish satellite credential programs in Redding and Ukiah, Calif. to respond to growing demand.
Humboldt State’s Department of Kinesiology & Recreation Administration supports adaptive physical education training through its physiology, biomechanics and exercise physiology labs, as well as a motor development clinic that provides pool and other activities to children with disabilities. For more information, visit humboldt.edu/kra or contact Chris Hopper, department chair, at chris.hopper@humboldt.edu.