ARC’s Adapted PE classes were resurrected 10 years ago when Instructor Raye Maero began teaching on campus full-time. Before Maero’s arrival, physically and mentally handicapped students had been placed with the regular physical education classes. “I remember everybody was mixed. But then Raye came, and she’s real nice. I’ve taken aerobics, swim classes, and personal safety,” said student Patricia Vance. Vance, 59, has been in the Adapted PE classes since Maero’s arrival on campus in 1997. She is currently enrolled in Maero’s Weights and Fitness class. Vance has back and hip pain, panic attacks and high blood pressure. Adapted PE classes are physical education courses that are better able to suit the individual needs of those students who have disabilities. More one-on-one attention is given to each student, with the help of student aids, and the Instructor. “Especially the ones I work with on a one-on-one basis [show improvement],” Sandra Seitz said, current student aid for the Adapted Weights and Training classes. Along with the help of student aids, a new position within the Adapted PE staff was created last year, Instructional Assistant for Adapted PE, to help with the student’s exercises. Brian Sprinkel, 24, was the first Instructional Assistant, and continues to work in the program today. Sprinkel attended Eastern Kentucky University, where he received his BS
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in Sports Management. He says he began working within Adapted PE programs in college, when trying to satisfy hours of community service to graduate.“I just stuck with it,” Sprinkel said. “I like helping them lead a healthier lifestyle through exercise.” Currently, ARC offers five Adapted PE classes: Adapt 314 Wheelchair Sports, Adapt 330 Weights and Fitness, Adapt 332 Aquatics, Adapt 337 Walk/Wheel and Adapt 338 Aerobic Activity. Currently, Adapt 330 Weights and Fitness is the most popular class, with the most amount of students and class times available. The Adapted PE program also received a grant to build its own PE building about six years ago. It is located on the ARC campus, located directly behind the swimming pool. Currently, in the Physical Education department, there are three Adapted PE Instructors: Lisa Delgado, Jeanette Allred-Powless, and Raye Maero. Maero teaches the majority of the classes offered. In each class offered, about 20 students are enrolled. Maero says she hopes for more students to join in the future. “I would like more outreach, more people to know about the program.” Maero has a Bachelor’s Degree in PE from UC Davis, a California Teaching Credential from Sacramento State, and a Master’s Degree in Adapted PE from Long Beach State. Maero first decided to pursue Adapted PE while in the credential program in 1982. “Back then it was pretty new, state |
laws were starting to come in,” Maero said, describing the program and the conditions of the California State laws regarding Adapted PE in community colleges. To enroll in an Adaptive PE class on campus, the student must have a Medical Release Form signed by a health care professional, as well as a physician’s statement verifying the disability, contraindications, and recommended activities. The disabilities of the students range widely from Multiple Sclerosis to visual impairment. Other disabilities include cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, muscle dystrophies, chronic back pain and accident injuries, as well as many others. Student Scott Lay was in a motorcycle accident about three years ago. A worker at Kaiser Permanente recommended he come over to the ARC Adapted PE classes to help with his physical therapy. “This program is beyond what I thought it would be,” said Lay, “Raye Maero is a top- notch person.” Lay is currently enrolled in Maero’s Weights and Fitness class, and has been in the Adapted PE program for a year and a half. His medical insurance covers the tuition and fees for the classes. “I love to see the progress people make, it makes a big difference in their lives,” Maero said, “It’s a very good social place for the students, it gives them a place that’s theirs.” For more information on the Adapted PE program, contact Raye Maero at 484-8281. |
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