Developmental/Adapted Physical Education: Making Ability Count (4th Edition)

The new edition of Developmental/Adapted Physical Education: Making Ability Count takes a developmental approach to special education and physical education, and focuses on the physical functioning and motor functioning that is relevant to both physical education and adapted physical education instructors. The book incorporates the extensive changes in methodology, teaching techniques, and legal requirements for instructors of individuals with disabilities that have occured over the past 15 years. Drawing on the extensive teaching and coaching experience of all four authors, the book encourages teachers to emphasize what students with disabilities can accomplish, and stresses the importance of a collaborative team approach to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Leonard Kalakian began his adapted physical education career working as a research associate for Dr. G. Lawrence Rarick. The project involved the longitudinal study of persons with Down Syndrome.

Dr. Kalakian, now professor emeritus, taught at Minnesota State University, Mankato for 36 years. During that time, he was instrumental in advancing the cause of developmental/adapted physical education throughout the state and nation. He played a major role in development and implementation of Minnesota's developmental/adapted physical education licensure law (one of the nation's first) and served as the State's university representative on the Minnesota Statewide Developmental/Adapted Physical Education Leadership Committee for many years. During Dr. Kalakian's university teaching career, he was co-author of 11 texts used variously throughout the United States and abroad.

Presently, Dr. Kalakian lives in Uijeongbu City, South Korea, where his wife, Ginny, serves as Principal in a K-12 international school.