Juanita: Yes, I was a "DAPE" student...

"DAPE" is the title....and yes, I was a participant. What is "DAPE", you ask? Well, read on my friends...

It is a branch of special education that shares common beliefs, knowledge, and goals with physical education. Its focus is primarily on the psychomotor domain, but it also includes the cognitive and affective domain. DAPE involves itself with specifically designed physical education for learners with categorical handicaps that demonstrate a need for this service.

Still confused? Here is another good definition:

"Developmental adapted physical education: special education" means specially designed physical education instruction and services for pupils with disabilities who have a substantial delay or disorder in physical development. Developmental adapted physical education: special education instruction for pupils age three through 21 may include development of physical fitness, motor fitness, fundamental motor skills and patterns, skills in aquatics, dance, individual and group games, and sports.
Students with conditions such as obesity, temporary injuries, and short-term or temporary illnesses or disabilities are termed special needs students. Special needs students are not eligible for developmental adapted physical education: special education. Provisions for these students must be made within regular physical education as described in Minnesota Statutes, section 126.02. (M.R.3525.1352, subp 1)

So yes, I was in adapted phy ed and I'm currently training for a marathon. Does this make sense? Not so much.

What was my "diagnosis" you ask? Ready? Are you sure?

Weak ankles. WHAAAAAAAT????? Are you freaking kidding me??? Yes, it is true. I know "weak ankles" ranks up there with menstrual cramps, acne, and chronic bad hair. What I really wonder is this: who allowed this "sucking of the system" to happen? Now don't get me wrong, I had my fair share of mental problems. Who didn't really? But I was always completely able-bodied. I was always more than able to play dodge ball and capture the flag. Don't get me wrong, my arms most certainly did the "happy dance" when doing the flexed-arm hang, but whose didn't? I feel sad about taking advantage of this great program because there are kids who really need it. I feel lucky that I was never really one of them.

To the "real" DAPE students out there, I apologize. This sucking of the system should never happen. To all of the fakers out there...own up. I wish I had.