title: Interdisciplinary learning experience: two years of experience with an interdisciplinary learning engagement for physical therapy and special education students.
abstract: This article describes two cohorts of students who participated in an interdisciplinary learning experience in which physical therapy (PT) and special education (SE) pre-professionals collaborated weekly during an eight week fitness program for children and youth with disabilities. Forty-one children with disabilities and ranging in age from five to 20 years, participated in the fitness program. One short term outcome achieved for PT and SE students was learning to communicate effectively with students from another discipline. In addition, PT and SE students successfully planned and implemented a variety of age appropriate fitness activities for participants with disabilities, as well as motivated and encouraged participants to engage in the activities. Outcomes for participants with disabilities included improvements in the sit-up component of the Presidential Fitness Test at the conclusion of the fitness program. The children and their parents/guardians appreciated the opportunity to engage in fitness activities in a non-threatening environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA 17003, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Kathryn N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Oriel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education*; D055815:Young Adult