Professional Recognition Award.

Gail Dummer, Michigan State University

Gail Dummer has been an active member of the profession serving individuals with disabilities and physical education and sport for 30 years. Gail earned her PhD from the University of California, Berkley, and has taught at the University of Maryland, Indiana University-Bloomington, and has been at Michigan State University since 1984, where she is currently a professor in the Department of Kinesiology. She has authored or co-authored over 70 articles, 9 books, and 8 chapters related to adapted physical activity. Gail is also the webmaster and primary author of the MSU Disability Sports website, which is one of the premier online resources in disability sport and physical activity. In addition, Gail has an extensive record of scholarly presentations at the local, state, national, and international levels. Gail began the Sports Skills Program at Michigan State University in 1992 which serves as the lab component for an undergraduate course in adapted physical activity. In the program, MSU students are provided authentic learning opportunities where they teach and coach individuals who have disabilities and explore their attitudes and philosophies related to adapted physical activity. Dr. Dummer's Sports Skills Program won the Outstanding Sports Program Award from Special Olympics Michigan in November, 2007. Gail has also been a leader in the adapted physical activity profession, serving as President of the North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (NAFAPA), on the Board of Directors of the National Consortium of Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID), held leadership roles in the adapted physical activity section of AAHPERD, and in Maryland, Indiana, and Michigan state AAHPERD's. Gail also serves on the editorial board for APAQ and is reviewer for APAQ, PALAESTRA, and JOPERD. In addition to her professional involvement, Dr. Dummer has an extensive background of volunteer service. A most recent example is her service as Assistant USA Coach at the Special Olympics World Summer Games this past October in Shanghi, China. She was responsible for communicating with five USA team members and their club coaches during the year preceding the Games, coaching all swimmers as assigned at training camps, and coaching all swimmers as assigned at the World Games. Her nominator, Dr. Deborah Shapiro, states, "Dr. Dummer is an innovator, creator, visionary, and risk taker as it relates to the advancement of opportunities in adapted physical activity, and specifically swimming for individuals with disabilities." APAC is proud to award its Professional Recognition Award to Dr. Gail Dummer. Congratulations!