Article

PURPOSE: To explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to participation in
physical activity among children with disability in physical activity and
community sports from the perspective of sports and recreation industry
personnel. METHOD: A convenient sample of 24 participants was recruited from
delegates attending a symposium on physical activity for organisations in the
sport and recreation sector in Victoria, Australia. The participants completed a
brief questionnaire. Data were analysed by content analysis using an inductive
approach. RESULTS: The participants reported 25 facilitators and 20 barriers to
participation for children with disability. The top five reported facilitators
were: welcoming providers, support and encouragement from parents or others,
inclusive providers, adaptable approaches and accessibility of facilities. The
top five reported barriers were: inaccessible facilities, non-inclusive
providers, transport, lack of relevant opportunities and cost. CONCLUSIONS:
Sports industry personnel share a similar perspective to families of potential
barriers and facilitators to engagement by children with disability in physical
activity and community sports. Policy change was not considered as a facilitator
of physical activity, even though four of the top five facilitators identified
could be implemented through local policy change. Implications for Rehabilitation
There are multiple factors that interact with each other which influence the
participation by children with disability in physical activity and community
sports. The sports and recreation industry should consider policy change as a
relevant way to facilitate participation by children with disability in physical
activity. More professional development and disability engagement opportunities
for sports and recreation industry personnel may help address some of the
barriers to participation for children with disability experience.

Langue : ANGLAIS