Creating Equal Opportunities for Children and Youth with Disabilities to Participate in Physical Education and Extracurricular Activities

LIMITATIONS IN OUR CURRENT KNOWLEDGE

There is limited understanding of how the research on children without disabilities can be translated into guidance for physical activity programs for children with disabilities (Fleming, 2010). In spite of the public's awareness of the risks of inactivity and obesity, there is limited research providing evidence of effective practices and approaches to increase physical activity, to reduce obesity, and to maintain health among children and youth with disabilities. The few findings of the research done in clinical settings have not been adequately translated for application to PE and athletic activities in school and community settings. As a result of the limited research in this area, states, schools, and educators are faced with the challenge of developing and implementing practices to increase the participation of children and youth with disabilities in PE and athletics without a strong base of research evidence.

Even with the limited research on effective practices, there is growing consensus in the research literature regarding several common barriers to physical activity for children and youth with disabilities. The barriers include inaccessible facilities and equipment (Auxter, Pyfer, Zittel, & Roth, 2010; Block, 2007; Rimmer, 2008; Rimmer & Rowland, 2007; Simeonsson, Carlson, Huntington, McMillen, & Brent, 2001; and Stanish, 2010); personnel without adequate training (Auxter, et al., 2010; Block, 2007; Rimmer & Rowland, 2007; and Stanish, 2010); and inadequate, non-compliant, or otherwise inaccessible programs and curricula (Auxter, et al., 2010; Block, 2007; Porretta, 2010; Rimmer, 2008; Rimmer & Rowland, 2007; Simeonsson, et al., 2001; and Stanish, 2010). The research base and professional opinion support the following suggestions for improving opportunities for children and youth with disabilities to participate in PE and athletic activity.