38. Expectations High Enough for Movement?: Students who are Blind/VI or DeafBlind

Speaker: Elizabeth Foster, Ph.D., CAPE 

Session Description:
The sensory systems of auditory and visual information are used in conjunction with vestibular and proprioception feedback to the brain in order to perform appropriate movements. These sensory systems aid an important role in postural stability and feedback to where the body is in space and how to best respond to the environment and movement. Come learn effective instructional strategies and interventions designed for students and youth with blindness, visual impairments, or deafblindness to increase movement opportunities and maintain high expectations of motor performance. Attendees will be able to advocate for accessible movement programs, learn about the benefits of movement and movement breaks throughout their day, and be able to adapt physical activities for safe and successful participation.

Credits: Act 48, ACVREP, ASHA, Psych
Audience: Adapted Physical Educators, Special Education Teachers, Teachers who work with students who are blind or visually impaired, Teachers who work with students with hearing loss, Teachers who work with students who are Deaf-Blind, General Education Teachers, Supervisors/Administrators, Occupational Therapists and/or Physical Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Parents, Guardians, Family Members, Paraprofessionals

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Foster, Ph.D. is an associate professor at West Chester University, PA in adapted physical activity/education (APA/E). She is a nationally Certified Adapted Physical Education and the APA/E program coordinator and graduate coordinator of the APE graduate certificate program. She is currently the assistant director for Camp Abilities in Pennsylvania. Dr. Foster has presented internationally and nationally at conferences on research and various application-based topics on vision loss/deafblindness, adaptations, and assessment within the field of APA/E and adapted sports. She completed intervener training at the Minnesota Deafblind Project. Dr. Foster was named the 2012 Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance APE teacher of the year. In addition, Dr. Foster has been involved with various adapted sport organizations and disability organizations promoting physical activities, fitness, adapted sports, and aquatics for all individuals with disabilities.

Website: https://www.wcupa.edu/Healthsciences/kinesiology/adaptedPE/default.aspx