Helping minds and bodies, connecting hearts

Instead of spending class time in the weight room or on the courts to fulfill credits, Luther’s Adaptive Physical Education course provides students with a rewarding opportunity to give their time to children with special needs. Three days a week, Luther students and children with disabilities from the local and surrounding area school districts participate in a variety of physical and recreational activities.

Adaptive P.E. took shape in the early 1960s, when Health and Physical Education instructor Dick Papenfus took Luther students to the local Trainable Mentally Retarded class at Abner Hendrickson School. With instructor Paul Solberg’s 27 year dedication to the course and current instructor Jeff Wettach’s help, the class has grown to 145 children of ages three to 18 from 13 local and five surrounding area schools.

Children invited to take the course vary in disabilities, ranging from cognitive disorders to autism, from ADHD to hearing, vision or mobility impairments. Luther students are matched with a Monday student, Wednesday student and Friday student, whom they work with the entire semester and build a “buddy” bond.

“I was recommended to take Adaptive P.E. by many different people, who told me it was a great experience,” Ryan Bouslog (‘11) said. “Through this class, I have learned a great deal about myself, the importance of patience and that one small gesture can brighten a child’s whole day.”

The primary objective for Luther students in the course is to modify or adapt physical, social and cognitive activities to suit the needs of each child and progress together throughout the semester. Activities range from simple motor activities, such as hopping, skipping, riding a tricycle or walking up stairs, to more complex activities like hitting a ball with a racquet or bat, throwing and catching a Frisbee or playing badminton.

Luther students and their buddies are able to use the SRC, basketball and racquetball courts, Legends Center and outdoor facilities when weather permits. Each week students alternate their time here and in the Luther pool.

Some children are unable to perform physical activities, so Luther students read and talk to them in order to stimulate their buddies’ minds.

Since students are expected to give focused effort each class period and engage in enjoyable activities with their buddies, only two assignments are given outside of class during the semester. Luther students have the opportunity to gain a new friend through this “hands-on” experience and make a positive difference in the life of a child with special needs.

“Usually, the last day of class each semester produces many tears — tears from Luther students, their buddies and sometimes even the teachers,” Wettach said. “One word of caution to Luther students who might enroll in Adaptive P.E.: the chances are high that you will create a very strong emotional bond with at least one of the buddies. Be aware that you will have some experiences that will stay with you for your lifetime.”