Assistive Technology to Promote Participation in Sport for People with Disabilities
Ana Geppert1,2, Emma M Smith2, Damian Haslett3
1University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Abstract:
Participation in sports is identified in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a fundamental right and is facilitated by the use of specialized Assistive Products (AP). However, little is known about the role everyday AP plays in promoting sport participation.
Purpose:
This study explores how the 50 priority APs on the World Health Organization's Assistive Products List can promote participation in sports.
Materials And Methods:
We used an online survey with AP-users, caregivers, and coaches (n=96). Subsequently, we performed a thematic analysis for qualitative responses describing the use of APs in facilitating sport participation.
Results:
Our results suggest everyday APs are required for sport participation for persons with disabilities. We present a conceptual model of AP use for sport participation. We found people with disability participate in a range of sports, contributing to community engagement.
Conclusions:
Access to everyday APs is integral to achieving the rights of persons with disabilities for participation in sport.
