Start Date
18-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction Organized sport offers numerous opportunities to positively influence the participation of people with disabilities in social life.
The political mandate to improve the participation of people with disabilities in sport has increased significantly, particularly with the adoption of the UN Convention (Article 30, UN CRPD). The question arises: “How can the participation opportunities of people with disabilities in sports clubs be improved?”
Methodology The quantitative research method is used to survey the individually perceived needs of people with disabilities. A barrier-free instrument (questionnaire) was developed together with an institution for the disabled experts in simple language. The perspectives of both the sports clubs (N=278) and the people with disabilities (N=173) were surveyed.
Results It is very exciting to compare the needs of people with disabilities with the needs of sports clubs. Recommendations for practical action can be derived from this. Important needs were identified in the following areas: sports offers in popular and competitive sports (Special Olympics), accessibility, sports aid and mobility, advice and networking, further development of the field of sports social work
Conclusions Based on Article 30 of the UN CRPD: Sport can bring all people together and have a strong impact on social parameters such as social equality, quality of life, well-being, health and self-determination. There is a need for more comprehensive participatory research processes to record and improve the wishes of people with intellectual disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Eghbalpour, Sina and Prof. Dr. Schirra-Weirich, Liane, "Can sport counteract social isolation? The opportunity of innovative sports programs for people with Intellectual Disabilities" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 30.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day3/30
Can sport counteract social isolation? The opportunity of innovative sports programs for people with Intellectual Disabilities
Introduction Organized sport offers numerous opportunities to positively influence the participation of people with disabilities in social life.
The political mandate to improve the participation of people with disabilities in sport has increased significantly, particularly with the adoption of the UN Convention (Article 30, UN CRPD). The question arises: “How can the participation opportunities of people with disabilities in sports clubs be improved?”
Methodology The quantitative research method is used to survey the individually perceived needs of people with disabilities. A barrier-free instrument (questionnaire) was developed together with an institution for the disabled experts in simple language. The perspectives of both the sports clubs (N=278) and the people with disabilities (N=173) were surveyed.
Results It is very exciting to compare the needs of people with disabilities with the needs of sports clubs. Recommendations for practical action can be derived from this. Important needs were identified in the following areas: sports offers in popular and competitive sports (Special Olympics), accessibility, sports aid and mobility, advice and networking, further development of the field of sports social work
Conclusions Based on Article 30 of the UN CRPD: Sport can bring all people together and have a strong impact on social parameters such as social equality, quality of life, well-being, health and self-determination. There is a need for more comprehensive participatory research processes to record and improve the wishes of people with intellectual disabilities.