Promoting Language Through Physical Education: Using Sign Language and Spanish to Engage Everyone

Luis Columna, PhD, is an associate professor at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. Armed with three degrees in adapted physical education and physical education, Columna is intent on helping teachers work better with diverse learners. He has taught in private and public schools in Texas and Puerto Rico and has taught higher education since 2006. Along with his coauthor, he has conducted several workshops and written several articles related to overcoming language barriers. Columna, who infuses Spanish in his courses, is the chair-elect of the National Adapted Physical Activity Council (APAC). He was the editor of the APAC section in the journal Palaestra. He is also a member of the Social Justice and Cultural Diversity Committee of the National Association of Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education. In 2011, Columna was the recipient of the Social Justice and Diversity Young Professional Award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. In his spare time, Columna enjoys dancing, traveling, and hiking. Lauren J. Lieberman, PhD, is a professor at the College at Brockport in Brockport, New York. She has taught higher education since 1995 and taught in Perkins School for the Blind since 2010. She is fluent in sign language, using sign as her language in earning her PhD. She infuses sign language throughout her courses. Lieberman has written 11 books on adapted physical education and started Camp Abilities, a developmental sports camp for children with visual impairments. This camp is now replicated in eight states and two countries. Lieberman is past chair of the National Adapted Physical Activity Council (APAC), and she serves on the board of the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes. She acts as a consultant for the New York State Deafblind Collaborative. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing ultimate, biking, running, kayaking, hiking, and playing the guitar.