Family and community engagement in school-based physical activity programs provides numerous benefits. Research shows that youth participation in physical activity is influenced by participation and support of parents and siblings. CSPAP Page 16

Research also suggests an association between the physical activity level of youth with disabilities and their parents or caregivers.  Improving levels of physical activity among parents and caregivers could have great benefits for youth with disabilities. It is important to educate parents about physical activity and how it can be incorporated into their lives in an effort to change attitudes and increase levels of physical activity.  It is also important to encourage parental involvement within the school and increase parent knowledge about what is available in the community.

Community engagement can take many forms and provides a greater opportunity for inclusion of children and youth with disabilities.  Community and family activities such as health fairs and 5K fun runs that are inclusive of children and youth with disabilities can promote education and awareness opportunities and further expand and define efforts to implement a CSPAP.

Resources

Parents Advocating for School Wellness Toolkit
www.actionforhealthykids.org/.../ParentAdvocacyToolkit.pdf

NCHPAD: Guidelines for Inclusive Road Races
http://www.nchpad.org/fppics/InclusiveRoadRacesBrochure.pdf