ABILITY IN DISABILITY: THE ROLE OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER IN DEVELOPING ABILITIES

Abstract

Disability is a condition where impairment and diseases interact with social and environmental elements to bring about a line-up of limitations or disadvantages. This circumstance or function hinders or limits individuals’ (people with disability) ability to perform intellectually, physically and mentally among others in accordance with societal norms for people of similar defined characteristics in a normal setting or environment. The disabled have needs like any other person; sense of belonging, love and acceptance, education, shelter, health care, protection and lots more. In sports provision have been made for people with disability to partake in to feel joy and happiness for being accepted the way they are. The Physical Education (PE) teacher (well groomed) is expected to play a role in this where he or she would bring out hidden abilities from the visible disabilities. Thus, a Physical Education teacher who must be able to get along well with other people and be above racial and ethnic prejudices should be able to unearth the ability in the disability of the disabled. He or she should be able to work and interact with all people. They (he or she) have to see eye to eye with their students, with members of staff and with the school authority. They have to have respect for the right of others and be devoted to the promotion of democratic ideals in their class. This they (the teachers) could do by making this category of people (people with disability) learn better. If this is done the abilities in the disabled would be unearthed.