Physical Activity for Disabled Youth: Hidden Parental Labor.

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Sociology of Sport
• Parenting Research

Background:

• Parents of disabled children face difficulties finding suitable community physical activity programs.
• Inclusive programs are crucial for the well-being and development of children with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the hidden labor undertaken by parents seeking inclusive physical activity opportunities for their disabled children.
• To understand the challenges and experiences of parents navigating community programs.

Main Methods:

• Interpretative phenomenological case study approach.
• Focus group interviews with eight families of youth aged 13-19 years.
• Analysis through the framework of relational ethics.

Main Results:

• Inclusion in physical activities is highly effortful for parents.
• Disabled children are often judged by impairments rather than potential.
• Continuous education is necessary to facilitate program access and sustained participation.
• Parents experience guilt when children cannot participate and must stay home.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant hidden parental labor in seeking inclusive programs.
• Ableist belief systems in the community create an exclusionary environment.
• Addressing parental burden and systemic ableism is essential for true inclusion.