ABSTRACT
This case focuses on the experiences of Marty, an eight-year-old boy who has low vision, in integrated physical education classes at Long Beach Elementary School. Although Marty enjoys some aspects of participating in integrated physical education classes taught by Ms. Craig, there are experiences that make him feel less than included in class. That is, there are a number of times where Marty does not feel a sense of belonging, acceptance, and value within classes that Ms. Craig was teaching, such as times when Ms. Craig exclaims how inclusive her classes are to other students because of her success in accommodating Marty’s needs. Complicating issues, a highly engaged and enthusiastic paraeducator, Mr. Veigh, makes Marty stand out from his peers and places a spotlight on his needs. For the most part, it appears that Ms. Craig is unaware of how Marty experiences her classes, until he begins explaining his feelings during a celebration of Ms. Craig’s teaching excellence and subsequent conversations with the school’s principal. Ms. Craig is stunned to hear Marty’s depiction of her classes as not being inclusive and is prompted to make several changes to her classes as a result of her newfound knowledge.
