Community recreation activities are key learning experiences for students experiencing complex disabilities and communication needs in Clackamas Education Service District’s Life Enrichment Education Program. These experiences play a crucial role in helping students develop life and social-emotional skills, improving their decision making, self-advocacy, independence and access to a full life.
This winter, LEEP students in middle, high, and post-high classes are having a ball running, rolling, kicking and scoring goals at weekly futsal sessions at Oregon Premier Futsal. Futsal, a dynamic indoor sport similar to soccer but played with a smaller ball, is an excellent way for students to enhance both their physical coordination and social skills. By adapting the activities to meet each student’s unique needs, LEEP staff ensure that every participant can join in, build confidence, and work together with their peers.
“Nurturing a lifelong love of recreation and physical fitness is important for all children,” says LEEP Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Karen Morley. “For our students, engaging in community activities like futsal or bowling not only helps them develop important skills but also empowers them to lead more independent lives enriched with meaningful relationships.”
Futsal’s positive effect on the students is easy to see. A student who started off hesitant on the sidelines is now enthusiastically passing the ball back and forth while the room fills with laughter as students and staff cheer “Gooooal!” together after every score.
