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When the Normative Is Formative: Parents' Perceptions of the Impacts of Inclusive Sports Programs
Jason Rodriquez1,2, Anika Lanser2, Holly E Jacobs2
1Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 9, 2022
Summary
Parents reported that Special Olympics Unified Sports programs improved social skills and belonging for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These inclusive sports foster friendships and normative activities, benefiting children with IDD.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Inclusion and Education
- Sports Science
Background:
- Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often face social and emotional challenges.
- Inclusive extracurricular activities, such as sports, can provide unique opportunities for development.
- Special Olympics Unified Sports® integrates high school students with and without IDD on the same teams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine parental perceptions of the impact of Special Olympics Unified Sports® on youth with IDD.
- To understand the social and emotional benefits experienced by participants with IDD from their parents' perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews with parents (n=23).
- Data collected as part of a larger evaluation of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools in the United States.
- Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes in parental feedback.
Main Results:
- Parents observed enhanced social and emotional skills in their children, including improved demeanor and attitude.
- Participants experienced a greater sense of belonging at school and new social opportunities.
- Youth with IDD benefited from normative activities and rewarding interactions through inclusive sports.
Conclusions:
- Special Olympics Unified Sports® positively impacts social-emotional development and school belonging for youth with IDD.
- Inclusive extracurricular sports are crucial for fostering friendships and normative experiences for students with IDD.
- Schools and families should prioritize and facilitate meaningful inclusive sports opportunities for youth with IDD.
Keywords:
Special OlympicsUnified Champion SchoolsUnified Sportsdevelopmental disabilityhigh schoolinclusive sportsintellectual disabilityparentsqualitativeMore Related Videos
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