East Carolina University has been preparing adapted physical education specialists to meet the activity needs of children and adults with disabilities since 1978. Over recent years the United States Department of Education has provided over seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars of support for program students.

Since the program's inception the on-campus practicum has remained a key element. The practicum pairs ECU students with area special needs children. The children attend a, weekly, individualized adapted physical activity program.

The Developmental Motor Laboratory serves as the home of the APE practica. Additional Developmental Motor Lab activities include dance, and pedagogy as well are motor development classes and research involving individuals with disabilities.