Handicapped people’s inclusion at physical education: a possible challenge or utopia?

Abstract

Objective: To identify relationships between university education and the teaching skills necessary for the successful inclusion of children with disabilities in Physical Education (EFE), specifically in elementary and middle schools, and to understand if teachers of EFE are prepared to work with people with disabilities (PCD’s). Methods: The research was developed from the application of a semi-structured questionnaire of seven questions (four closed and three open), answered by 32 teachers from Elementary and Middle School, from 15 schools in the City of São Paulo. Results: The results show that among the interviewees, only 31.2% of teachers leave higher education feeling prepared to face the inclusive reality, considering the academic formation sufficient for their performance. The major challenges highlighted by the teachers with PCD’s were: lack of knowledge and concepts; infrastructure; students frustration; motivation of the group of educators and prejudice regarding the public person with disabilities (PCD). This information and the first item highlighted bring seemingly contradictory data, since 78% of teachers mentioned having had classes with Adapted Physical Education (EFA) content and, even so, indicate not master the content on the way to work to include and apply it effectively in school activities. Conclusion: The results lead us to conclude about the need to rethink the training of physical education professionals working in the regular education network, so that these, in an advantageous and positive way, work the inclusion and participation of PCD students effectively in EFE, from the adequate academic training to continuing education strategies and professional updates during the educational career.