This book explores the intersection of motor behavior, disability, and inclusive practice across the lifespan. The book integrates foundational theories of motor development with applied approaches to assessment, instruction, and intervention for individuals with disabilities. The book provides both conceptual frameworks and actionable strategies grounded in empirical research. Drawing upon interdisciplinary expertise from leaders in the fields of motor development, therapy, and adapted physical education, this text offers a comprehensive examination of motor behavior as it relates to disability, function, and participation. The book's structure progresses logically from theory and assessment to applied practice and lifelong activity engagement, promoting a holistic understanding of movement across the lifespan.

This book provides the general concepts of motor behavior but directly relates them to examples in disability while also providing a more in-depth understanding of the constraints that should be considered with physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.

About the Author

Ali S. Brian, Ph.D., is the associate dean for research in the College of Education and a professor in the areas of motor behavior and adapted physical education/activity in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Brian is a Certified Adapted Physical Educator and is the director of the Physical and Developmental Disabilities Research Lab at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Brian's research agenda focuses on underlying mechanisms that support positive developmental trajectories for whole-child health, including early intervention efforts, for preschoolers with and without disabilities as well as for youth with visual impairments.

Pamela Beach, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar and educator in the field of motor behavior, currently serving as a Professor of Motor Behavior and Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is also a Co-Director of the Institute on Movement Studies for Individuals with Visual Impairments. Her research focuses on motor behavior and balance across the lifespan in individuals with sensory impairments. She has served on the American Kinesiology Association Board and currently holds the position of Vice President of the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities.

Reviews
Dr. Brian and Dr. Beach's Disability and Motor Behavior is an insightful and timely contribution. As it fills a long-standing gap at the intersection of motor behavior, kinesiology, and disability scholarship. As a first-of-its-kind handbook, this text provides a strong foundation of research spanning a wide range of disability groups while also offering clear rationale for the motor behavior practices that have shaped the field's work with disabled individuals. Importantly, the book bridges theory, evidence, and application in a way that strengthens both scholarly understanding and professional practice. This handbook will be an invaluable resource for graduate students, practitioners, and researchers, supporting deeper reflection and more informed dialogue about how motor behavior concepts can advance meaningful, equitable outcomes in disability-related movement contexts. -- Scott McNamara * Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire *



Book Information
ISBN 9781538191606
Author Ali S. Brian
Format Hardback
Page Count 472
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing Plc