Down Syndrome Limerick, Mid West Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association, Enable Ireland

The main goal of this weekly programme is to engage participants in various physical activities (dance, games, HRA, etc.) throughout the academic semester. Each participant will be paired with one of our pre-service Physical Education students receiving individual attention, support, and encouragement. The focus will be on promoting physical activity for young people; incorporating it into their daily life (i.e., school, after school, and at home).

I-Play has provided a weekly programme of peer supported physical activities for children and young people with special needs every semester since 2010.

The learning outcomes of this programme is designed:

• To critically evaluate the attitudes and beliefs about teaching and learning which inform and guide his/her professional practice
• To act as an advocate on behalf of learners, referring students for specialised educational support as required and participating in the provision of that support, as appropriate.
• To identify cross-curricular links and themes including citizenship; creativity; inclusion and diversity; initiative and entrepreneurship; personal, social and health education; and ICT, as appropriate to the sector and stage of education, and how these are related to life experiences.
• Display skills in working independently and also participate and cooperate as part of a team to examine theoretical and practical issues in the sport and exercise sciences.

The main goals of this programme are:

• To provide children and young people with special needs the opportunity to play and interact socially with peers,
• To provide pre-service Physical Education teachers with the opportunity to gain experience in planning and assisting youth with special needs as it relates to the physical activity setting, and
• To provide families an opportunity to connect with one another as a way to support each other and their children with special needs.