Abstract
Adapted sports provide an alternative to traditional exercise for individuals with physical disabilities. Athletes with physical disabilities have a human right and an occupational right to participate and engage in adapted sports. Despite the documented benefits of adapted sports, there continue to be limited opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in sports. This study describes the barriers that hinder quality participation in wheelchair lacrosse. Nine wheelchair lacrosse players and seven staff or volunteers participated in focus groups, individual interviews, and an online survey in order to identify barriers to quality participation as well as to identify themes related to the experiential aspects of participation. We discuss the themes which included autonomy, belongingness, and meaning, and how participation in wheelchair lacrosse meets the intrapersonal and interpersonal needs of athletes, staff, and volunteers. We will also identify the barriers to participation which included limited playing opportunities and a lack of accessible facilities within the community, affecting the elements of challenge and mastery. The poster illustrates how the findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between occupational injustice and quality participation within adapted sports and help define the role of occupational therapy within adapted sports.
Presenters
Jennifer WingratAssistant Professor, Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Towson University, Maryland, United States Erin Busch
Occupational Therapist, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, District of Columbia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Adapted Sports, Wheelchair Lacrosse, Participation, Sport And Health, Occupational Justice
