Aim

The aim of Thematic Network Projects (TNP) is to define and develop a European dimension within a given academic discipline or other issues of common interest through co-operation between university faculties or departments and existing academic, and possibly also professional, associations. Such co-operation should lead to curriculum development or another outcome, which will have a lasting and widespread impact across a range of institutions within or between specific discipline areas.

Objectives

The objective of this TNP is:  

1) to analyse existing structures of education and formation, inter-university structures, European Associations on APA, governmental organisations and structures on the one hand, with the national sports federations, rehabilitation centres, special schools and the individual with a disability in general;
2) to set up a network of ‘reflection and action’ towards educational and social integration of persons with a handicap through Adapted Physical Activity in the different partner countries.

The final outcome of the TNP can be diversified into two major realisations:

• the creation of updated and adequate educational programs in APA throughout Europe thanks to the definition of a ‘hard-core’ profile of a specialist in adapted physical education and activity at different educational levels, so that an ‘ideal’ profile of an APA specialist can be defined (formation pillar)
• the creation and implementation of national groups for implementation and integration strategies that might forward solutions to national problems faced with regard to the integration of disabled persons into society through physical activity (integration pillar)