Factors influencing the participation of children with disabilities in physical activities and sports

Abstract

One major goal of Physical Education is to provide opportunity for the youth to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong engagement in healthful physical activities. Everyone must have the opportunity to participate in physical education and special reference must be given to pupils with disabilities in special schools who deserve the right to a sound physical education experience as part of their fundamental human rights. This study, therefore, examined factors influencing the participation of children with disabilities in physical activities and sports. A convergent mixed methods research design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 194 students from three public special schools in Cape Coast Metropolitan in Central Region. The students were selected through purposive sampling technique. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, and themes. The findings of the study revealed among others that, inadequate of disability user-friendly sporting facilities and equipment, and financial constraints were the major challenges. It is, therefore, recommended among others that, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Education Directorate in-charge of special education should prioritize physical education at special schools by providing disability user-friendly sporting facilities and equipment; means of transportation to assist students’ athletes and also educate and sensitize students with disabilities the relevance of their participation in physical activities and sports.