CSB Educator Inspires Inclusive Opportunities in Physical Education

January 15, 2026

Molly Armstrong, Adapted Physical Education (APE) Specialist at the California School for the Blind (CSB), recently shared innovative strategies for inclusive physical education at the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) External link opens in new window or tab. Bay Area Workshop. Alongside Taylor Guy, Camp Abilities CA Co-Director and APE Specialist, Molly delivered two engaging sessions focused on expanding access, participation, and meaningful inclusion in physical education and recreation.

Molly and Taylor stand smiling on either side of a large screen in a gymnasium. The screen displays the title slide of a presentation: Goalball - How to incorporate an adaptive sport into your physical education curriculum by Taylor Guy and Molly Armstrong. The slide includes an image of athletes playing goalball, with one player diving to block the ball.

Camp Abilities CA: An Approach to Inclusive Physical Activity and Recreation

In their first session, Molly and Taylor introduced educators to Camp Abilities California, a week-long summer sports and recreation program for youth who are blind, low vision, or deafblind. Hosted annually at CSB, Camp Abilities CA emphasizes independence, confidence, and self-advocacy through adapted sports, individualized instruction, and a highly supportive learning environment.

During the session, participants explored how Camp Abilities CA:

  • Uses a high staff-to-camper ratio, adapted equipment, and individualized teaching to meet each student's unique needs
  • Offers a wide range of accessible activities, including swimming, hiking, tandem biking, kayaking, blind tennis, beep kickball, and skateboarding, each thoughtfully adapted using tactile, auditory, and environmental supports
  • Builds authentic and sustainable recreation opportunities through community partnerships with organizations such as BORP, Fremont Schwinn & Cyclery, GoGo Skateboarding, and Paralympian Brandon Young

Educators also learned how to get involved through volunteering, professional development opportunities, and by connecting students to the camp's expanding summer and weekend programs.

Goalball! How to Incorporate an Adaptive Sport into Your Physical Education Curriculum

In the second session, Molly led a hands-on exploration of goalball, one of the most widely played team sports for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Participants experienced the game firsthand, learning the defensive ready position, rolling and blocking techniques, and small-sided gameplay that can be adapted for a variety of instructional settings.

Educators discovered how to:

  • Implement a modified game of goalball using common physical education equipment such as volleyballs, yoga mats, cones, poly spots, and bandanas
  • Align instruction with SHAPE America Standards, integrating skill development, problem solving, and student reflection
  • Facilitate meaningful discussions around empathy, equity, and disability awareness through sport and movement

The workshop concluded with reflection on how inclusive movement experiences foster teamwork, trust, and empathy, skills that extend well beyond the gymnasium.

Resources and Continued Learning

To support ongoing implementation, Molly and Taylor shared a comprehensive resource folder that includes assessment tools, presentation materials, Expanded Core Curriculum checklists, and sample adapted physical education assessment plans.

Download the resources:

The California School for the Blind commends Molly Armstrong for her leadership in advancing inclusive physical education and her continued efforts to empower educators throughout the Bay Area to ensure all students have opportunities to grow, move, and thrive.

For more information or support, contact Molly Armstrong at marmstrong@csb-cde.ca.gov

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Molly Armstrong, M.S.
Adapted Physical Education Specialist
California School for the Blind