Click this link to download the Info Brief. A text version of this PDF is below.
Executive Summary
Physical activity and sport benefit the body, mind, and spirit of all youth including youth with a disability. Across all sectors, the nation is currently lacking in education and opportunities for youth with a disability to participate. The narrative does not have to end there - we can change the story.
Statistics
Obesity rates for youth with a disability are 38% higher than youth without a disability.
Physical activity levels are 4.5 times lower for youth with a disability.
1.5 million students in public and secondary schools with a physical impairment are excluded from having access to participate in athletic competitions.
24 states and 16 colleges offer adapted interscholastic or intercollegiate sports programs for students with a disability.
Benefits to Physical Activity and Sport
1. Enhanced Overall Well-Being
Reverse de-conditioning, optimize physical function, decrease risk of secondary health conditions. Maintain or increase muscle strength, flexibility and joint structure and function.
2. Reduce Obesity
Increase cardiovascular fitness, decrease risk of osteoporosis and impaired circulation. Decrease risk of increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
3. Psychological and Psychosocial Benefits
Form friendships, develop self-identity, increase self-esteem and community involvement. Foster independence, coping abilities and teamwork.
“Individuals with disabilities who participate in sports have higher self-esteem, better body images and higher rates of academic success; are more confident and more likely to graduate from high school and matriculate in college. Furthermore, sport is where skills like teamwork, goal setting, the pursuit of excellence in performance and other achievement- oriented behaviors necessary for success in the workplace are developed." -Lakowski, T. and Long, T. (2011)
Barriers to Physical Activity and Sport
1. Lack of Policies
Federal Law protecting the rights of children with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity exists, but more needs to be done in the policy sector to ensure youth with disability are being provided equal access in a safe and effective environment.
2. Lack of Resources and Training
Youth coaches and recreation facilitators are not adequately trained to provide effective and safe coaching techniques to include youth with a disability in their programs.
3. Lack of Opportunities
Inclusive sport opportunities are few and far between. If a program is offered often youth don't have access to the adaptive equipment or accessible transportation to participate.
4. Physical and Attitudinal Barriers
Attitudinal barriers in communities leads to a lack of awareness of local opportunities. Specialized programs can be beneficial but the inclusion of youth in mainstream sports further helps to tear down barriers and social stigmas.
Adolescents with disability cited the cost of specialized equipment as the most frequent reason for not participating. -King et.al. (2003)
Solutions
1. Built Environment Change
Organizations should ask themselves what structural features need to change in order to provide equal access. Examples include ramps, signage, park play equipment, curb cuts, and surfaces.
2. Services Change
Organizations should ask themselves what services could we provide that would increase participation such as a peer assistant, interpreters, accessible transportation.
3. Instruction Change
Organizations should provide training and education around disability awareness to all of their coaches and employees.
4. Equipment and Technology
Organizations should look at what products or tools they can provide to promote participation. Examples include adaptive sports equipment to communication devices.
5. Policy Change
Organizations should create policies that provide for inclusion at all levels.
“Inclusion in athletics is how children learn from each other, build social skills and optimize their growth and development.” -Dr. Jim Rimmer
Testimonials
Girls on the Run International has implemented inclusion strategies at every level. Including their policies, trainings, and marketing materials. They piloted their new inclusive curriculum and coaches trainings in 16 different councils. One parent from the piloted program said, “My child came home from every practice excited to build relationships outside of school with her peers. It was the highlight of her spring.”
Resources
Lakowski,T.&Long,T.(2011). Proceedings: Physical Activity and Sport for People with Disabilities. Washington,DC: Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development
Murphy and Carbone (2008)Promoting the participation of Children With Disabilities in Sports,Recreation, and Physical Activities.
King G, Law M, King S, Rosenbaum P, Kertoy MK, Young NL,. A conceptual model of the factors affecting the recreation and leisure participation of children with disabilities. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2003; 23 (1): 63-90
Girls on the Run International www.girlsontherun.org
“Creating a culture of health also means creating a culture of Inclusion” -Shellie Pfohl
Contact
NCHPAD.org
email@nchpad.org
1-800-900-8086