MUNCIE, Ind. -- Indiana needs more teachers in adapted physical education for children with disabilities, a Ball State University educator says.

Ronald Davis, professor and coordinator of Ball State’s adapted physical education program, says a training program involving three state universities will help meet that need.

"There are now only 23 adapted physical education positions in the entire state," Davis said. "We want to create more teaching positions to serve kids with disabilities."

Ball State, Indiana University and Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) have joined forces to obtain funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Division of Special Education.

In Project Prepare, each institution will train professionals in adapted physical education, in which physical activities are modified to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The project will be funded for three years by the federal government and an additional two years by the state.

Each university will specialize in preparing teachers at different levels: Ball State at the undergraduate level, Indiana University at the graduate level and IUPUI in certification of teachers in the field. Funding is administered through Indiana University.

"The collaboration between the three universities and the connection with the state Department of Special Education gives us the opportunity to impact teaching positions across the state," Davis said.

Ball State receives $64,000, most of which goes to support students who supervise and coordinate two campus activity programs serving students and adults with disabilities. Students will also work in local schools and receive support to attend conferences and join professional organizations.

At Ball State, only students in the physical education teaching major are eligible for the program, which provides support for three of the four semesters needed to complete the major. Recruitment of students begins in January.