Performance in Motion, Volume 4, Number 2, Fall 1996

Janet Wessel Still Making Her Mark

At a time of life when most people have slowed almost to a halt, 78 year old Dr. Janet A. Wessel is still in the fast lane. Living in Arizona, and taking care of an 85 year old aunt and her wheelchair-bound brother David,who is a wheelchair user, Janet continues to give of her time and herself and maintains a "go-go" schedule.

When telephoned at her winter home in Phoenix, Dr. Wessel spoke of her daily walks, swimming three times a week, and her work with young university professionals who share her commitment to adapted and special physical education. One of these young colleagues whom Janet mentors, has helped collaborate on a book called Smart Start, dealing with adapted activity for ages 3 through 5 and they are working on a second book, due out next year.

PIM has learned that for the fourth year in a row, Dr. Wessel has contributed to Michigan State University and designated her gifts to the Sports Skills Program, directed by Dr. Gail Dummer. In this program, coaching and instruction are offered to children and adults with disabilities from the greater Lansing area. MSU students from PES 465, Physical Activity for Special Populations, act as coaches and teachers for the participants with disabilities, and two of these students are selected each semester to act in a supervisory capacity. Those selected are recipients of the Janet A. Wessel Award in Adapted Physical Activity.