The Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) provides comprehensive motor activity and recreation training for people with severe intellectual disabilities or multiple disabilities. The emphasis of MATP is individualized training and participation based on the person’s ability, rather than strict competition. The “competition” within MATP focuses on improving, even slightly, their personal best instead of competing against other athletes. In 1991, the MATP program was introduced in North Carolina and a total of 56 coaches have been certified. SONC continues to develop this program throughout the state.
Events OfferedMATP trains participants in aquatics, dexterity (track & field), electric/manual wheelchair (track & field), kicking (soccer) mobility (gymnastics), striking (softball), and team sports. Some programs refer to these events as “Developmental Games/Events” as many of the MATP activities are the lower skill events in the common sports. ImplementationMATP can be incorporated through schools, group homes, residential facilities, and other community-based setting as needed. Local programs can utilize physical therapists, occupational therapists, therapeutic recreation providers and/or adaptive physical education instructors to identify and develop their MATP program. |
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