The State University of New York, College at Brockport, has one of the nation's finest traditions of excellence in adapted physical education. First, is the fact that the first concentration in adapted physical education in the United States was developed and implemented here in 1968. The master's degree program has benefited from support from the Department of Education, Washington, D.C. for over 25 years. Over 500 students have taken courses in the concentration and over 300 have graduated from the program.

Since 1968, the adapted physical education program has provided a quality professional preparation experience for its students and has engaged in several related leadership activities. These include hosting the following special sport competitions: The International Special Olympics in 1979, the New York State Special Olympics in 1975 and 1976, and the Western Region New York State Games for the Physically Challenged (1987-2005).

The adapted physical education staff has also been involved with several nationally funded research activities, state funded training projects, and demonstration projects. Most recently the program has been funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide scholarships to graduate students seeking a master's degree with a concentration in adapted physical education.

The one constant ingredient in the activities presented above has been the direct involvement and leadership of faculty with expertise in adapted physical education.