Development Motor Lab

Developmental Motor Lab

The Developmental Motor Laboratory serves as the home of the Adapted Physical Activity (APA) practicums program offering various physical activities to people with disabilities in the community and research involving teacher preparation concerning disability awareness, teaching and inclusion. The ECU APA program also collaborates with local community programs, such as Pitt County Schools APE programs, Aces for Autism, Autism Society of North Carolina, and Pitt County Special Olympics. On December 2015, ECU APA program became a partner with the national health promotion program (I Can Do It!) to establish a solid transition program for youth with disabilities in the areas of health, physical fitness, and wellness.

  • H.E.L.P – Healthy Eating and Living Program – was offered to Pitt County schools for two years (2016 & 2017)
  • Promoting an Inclusive Community: Peer mentoring approach to physical education program in high school(2019-2021, Community Engagement Project)

Student Opportunities

The Developmental Motor Lab provides many learning and research opportunities for students from various academic programs. Since the adapted physical education program’s inception, the on- and off-campus teaching has remained a key element. ECU students enrolling in KINE courses (e.g., 3906, 4025, 4200, & 4904) engage in teaching/coaching various types of motor and recreational activities, fitness, and sports programs for people with disabilities.

Community Outreach Program

  • Dance-Ability: An inclusive dance program that offers dance lessons to children and youth with and without disabilities. A group of ECU students offer weekly dance lessons in ballet, tap and hip hop and at the end of each semester, they hold a dance recital for all dancers. Dance lessons are held during the semester on Thursday from 5:15 – 7:15 pm. If anyone is interested in participating in the program, please contact Maggie Collins at collinsm20@students.ecu.edu

First day of Fall 2023 is August 31.

  • Pee Dee Sensory Room: ECU is committed to becoming more ‘Sensory Friendly’ for those with sensory needs. In collaboration with HHP Design 4 Disability Initiative and ECU athletics, the DML becomes a sensory friendly room to serve for anyone experiencing with sensory overload to take a break during ECU athletic events (i.e., basketball).

Lab Director

Dr. AJ An, Associate Professor
100 Minges Coliseum