At Macomb High School, a transformative program called Unified Physical Education (PE) is changing the way students interact, breaking down barriers and building lasting friendships. Spearheaded by Heather Allen, a dedicated PE teacher, this initiative pairs students with disabilities, referred to as “buddies,” with peer buddies who assist and connect with them during class. The result is a classroom environment rich with socialization, understanding, and mutual growth.

Heather, who has been teaching PE for nine years, admits she didn’t anticipate the impact the program would have when she first began working with adaptive PE. “When I started, I didn’t fully understand what Unified PE could be,” she says. Inspired by research from Dr. Ritchie Gabbei at Western Illinois University, Heather embraced the opportunity to create a more inclusive environment. Today, Unified PE is thriving at Macomb, with two classes and a growing roster of students.

The program’s core concept is simple yet powerful: pairing students like Simon Rhoades, a buddy, with empathetic and energetic peer buddies like junior Aaliyah Abernathy. Together, they engage in activities that go beyond traditional PE exercises, fostering connections that extend into the hallways, lunchrooms, and even beyond the school day.

Simon, a friendly and outgoing student, lights up the room with his enthusiasm. “I love kickball,” he says with a grin. His peer buddies, including Aaliyah, help ensure Simon and other buddies are fully involved in games and activities. “Sometimes he tricks us during kickball,” Aaliyah laughs. “He’ll pretend to kick and then dash off!”

The value of Unified PE extends far beyond the gymnasium. Many of the buddies, like Simon, spend much of their day in self-contained classrooms with limited social interaction outside of their peer group. Unified PE provides them with an opportunity to form new relationships and feel a sense of belonging. “It’s about more than physical education,” Heather explains. “It’s about creating a network of friends and teaching empathy and patience.”

For Aaliyah, the experience has been life-changing. Originally introduced to the program during her sophomore year, she immediately felt drawn to the opportunity to help and connect with others. Now a junior, she has continued as a peer buddy for three semesters. “I love being around different people and seeing the differences in everyone,” she says. “This has helped me grow as a person.”

The program emphasizes mutual benefit: buddies gain social interaction and new skills, while peer buddies learn compassion, leadership, and collaboration. Heather carefully selects students for the role of peer buddy, looking for those with patience and empathy. “Not everyone is a good fit for this,” she notes. “I need to make sure they understand how to support others and build positive relationships.”

The success of Unified PE is evident in the friendships that form and the confidence it instills in all participants. Heather recalls a time when Simon, once hesitant to interact with others, began walking through the hallways, shaking hands and greeting students he met in PE. “He feels seen, and his friends feel connected to him. That’s what this is all about,” Heather says.

The program’s impact isn’t limited to current students—it ripples outward, influencing the broader school community. As peer buddies share their experiences, more students express interest in joining. “This year, we’ve had the highest number of participants yet,” Heather shares. “It’s exciting to see how it’s growing.”

For Heather, the program represents the best of what education can achieve: fostering empathy, connection, and community. “When I see Simon and Aaliyah working together, laughing and supporting each other, it reminds me why I do this work,” she says. “They’re not just learning about fitness—they’re learning about life.”

Unified PE at Macomb High is more than a class—it’s a bridge that connects students from different walks of life, fostering friendships and creating a more inclusive school community. Through programs like this, students like Simon and Aaliyah are shaping a culture of kindness and understanding, proving that the most important lessons often happen beyond the textbook.