Kean University's Department of Occupational Therapy (OT), in collaboration with the special education, therapeutic recreation and physical education departments, will host the Special Olympics New Jersey Young Athletes Program (YAP) to introduce children with intellectual disabilities to the world of sports.
YAP is designed for children ages 2 ½ to 7, and serves as the foundation for play, fun and future participation in the regular Special Olympics program for people ages 8 and older.
In addition to the fourth annual one-day event to be held on April 14, 2013, the Department of Occupational Therapy is now offering a once-a-week, seven-week program to be held on the Kean campus. The course will be organized and facilitated by graduate occupational therapy students, under the supervision of Dr. Mary Falzarano, assistant professor and licensed occupational therapist.
The ultimate goal of both the one-day and seven-program event is to assist the young athletes and their families to navigate eight sports activities targeting specific basic gross motor and visual-perceptual motor skills necessary as a foundation for the child's main occupation – play. Children will learn how to control their movements to participate and play sports, as well as how to follow directions.
1-DAY PROGRAM: Sunday, April 14, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon
Kean University's Harwood Arena
7-WEEK PROGRAM: Wednesdays, March 20–May 1, 2013, from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Kean University's Main Campus, Townsend Hall
SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH EVENTS INCLUDE:
- Foundational skills – body awareness and fitness skills
- Walking & running – “traveling” movement skills
- Balance & jumping – stability and mobility skills
- Trapping & catching – introductory ball skills
- Throwing – arm/hand and eye coordination skills
- Striking – upper body strength and visual motor skills
- Kicking – lower body coordination
- Free play area – alternate movement opportunities
To register for either program, please click on the appropriate links to the left.
In order to receive a FREE home kit that helps to reinforce the skills learned during the program, you will also need to register at www.sonj.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/00025.pdf
For more information about YAP at Kean, please contact Mary Falzarano, OTR, at 908-737-5854 or mafalzar@kean.edu.