Human Movement Sciences Department Hosting Rock Wall Climb for Special-Needs Students

Old Dominion will host a rock wall experience at the Student Recreation Center for students with special needs from Norfolk Public Schools on Wednesday, April 23. The climbing will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The students, diagnosed with multiple disabilities, are from Crossroads School. They have been participating in a 10-week motor clinic at ODU this spring, which helps them and also gives practical experiences to future physical education teachers.

"As part of the clinic, we are challenging students to climb the rock wall. It is amazing to watch these students - who need assistance walking down a hallway - successfully navigate a rock wall," said Patrick Doyle, an adjunct faculty member in the Darden College of Education's human movement sciences department.

"Our goal is to empower every student who participates to reach his or her potential. Students will get to participate in several modified rock wall-climbing activities based on their comfort level. Students can decide to just touch the wall or, if they are comfortable enough, they can try to climb to the top of the wall. Each student's level of participation is based entirely on his or her comfort level," Doyle said.

"If you are around the SRC that morning and observe the students climbing, stop and watch, and be sure to provide some encouraging remarks."