Parent goals for school-sponsored adapted participation for students with disabilities

Abstract

School-sponsored adapted sport (AS) programs are increasing in school districts. With recent clarifications of legislation regarding extracurricular activities for students with disabilities (SWD), more schools are offering programs for all students. However, limited research exists regarding various aspects of school-sponsored AS. The purpose of this study was to examine parent goals for their child's participation in school-sponsored AS. The study aimed to provide understanding of social, physical activity/fitness, and sport- specific goal themes of participating in AS. A survey was sent to parents to gather information. Paired sample t-tests found significant differences between social skill and sport-specific skill goals and physical activity/fitness and sport-specific skill goals, but no difference between social skill and physical activity/fitness goals. There were no significance differences in goal themes by disability. Paired sample t-tests indicated that current parent goal theme scores were significantly higher than at the beginning of the child's AS career. In addition, there were significantly higher scores for social sldll and physical activity/fitness goals for SWD, but significantly higher scores for sport-specific skill goals for children without disabilities. Results indicate that parents may have a holistic view or approach to AS participation. More research is necessary to further analyze parent goals.