Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Sarah Nielsen

Abstract

There is a significant need for youth with disabilities to increase their participation in meaningful activities such as sport. However, several barriers exist which limit participation for youth with disabilities within sport including a lack of education for coaches on disability inclusion, non-accessible facilities, and lack of awareness regarding sport-related accommodations. The purpose of this project was to identify methods in which the USA Swimming (USA-S) organization could better support the inclusion of athletes of all abilities outside of disability-only sports programs. Through a literature review guided by the EHP framework, the author identified benefits of disability-inclusive sports teams as well as effective methods for implementation. Identified benefits for the child with the disability included enhanced social, physical, and cognitive skills, as well as supported transition into adulthood. Identified barriers for disability-inclusion included lack of education for coaches regarding athletes with disabilities as well as non-accessible facilities. Throughout the project the author collaborated with a local USA-S swimming team in West Fargo, North Dakota to analyze current coaching methods, needs, and to pilot disabilityinclusive resources. Results of the project have led to the development of the Swimming Coaches’ Manual for All Abilities. The manual includes disability-inclusive resources nested within a five-part organizational structure which includes: the Readiness for Change Assessment, the Need to Know Disability Resources, the Sharpening Skills, the Venue Accessibility Checklist, and the Venue Accessibility Statement Framework. The manual supports inclusion of athletes of all abilities within the sport of swimming by eliminating barriers and providing educational resources to USA-S coaches and their teams. This is an important step towards aligning with the USA-S Disability Committee’s mission statement regarding the involvement of people with disabilities apart from disability-only opportunities.

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