Youth with disabilities can greatly benefit from physical activity and recreation. In an environment where everyone is encouraging the participation and inclusion of a young person with a disability, a young person can learn a variety of skills, and grow physically and emotionally. A young person with a disability can participate with other youth with and/or without disabilities and learn to work in groups, learn the value of teamwork, and develop skills such as stretching, throwing, balance, etc. An opportunity to participate in physical activity and recreation allows for a young person to realize improved skills, and thus, gain self-esteem.

The opportunity to take part in physical activity and recreation for a youth with a disability impacts all areas of his or her daily life. The ability to excel while taking part in a game of basketball, for example, can lead a young person to then feel more compelled to do well academically or socially. Furthermore, even the process of losing or failing at first and then, over time, being able to succeed at a recreational activity helps a young person recognize that obstacles and struggles can be overcome. For a young person with a disability, these accomplishments can help them to recognize that it is possible to do things well and to succeed with a disability.

Participation in physical activity and recreation in school and in the community is also vital for the development of healthy children. It has been documented that the development of healthy behaviors are established during childhood (Raitakari et al., 1994). It is of vital importance that youth with and without disabilities develop health behaviors and participate in sufficient amounts of physical activity.