Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists May 2016 | Page 6

8 Tips to Encourage Inclusive Sports Participation
Research indicates that persons with disabilities frequently join
inclusive sports but do not continue with the inclusive sports
overtime. Parents report rejection by staff and other participants.
In addition, parents feel that there is a lack of contact and
understanding of people with disabilities. Physical activity for
persons with disabilities is extremely important. It is
disappointing to hear that parents find inclusive sports not
appropriate for children with intellectual disabilities. School
based occupational and physical therapists can be instrumental
in promoting physical activity for individuals with disabilities. Try
to schedule a presentation on inclusive sports for your
community or school. Here are 8 tips to help any children with
disabilities participate in inclusive sports programs:
1. First and foremost make sure that the sports program is accessible for the child. If not, offer
some modifications that can make the program accessible.
2. Educate the coaches and volunteers on the child’s disability. If a coach does not know what to
do, it can make participation very difficult.
3. If any modifications require adapted equipment, make sure all sports staff know how to use it.
4. Offer suggestions on how to present the directions or rules in different formats instead of just
verbally. Maybe the coach could provide written rules or visual demonstrations.
5. Inform sports staff that the child may need accommodations such as more time to complete a
skill.
6. If a child requests additional help, perhaps assign a partner (peer or adult) to help.
7. Do not assume a child can not do a task. If possible and safe, always let them try first before
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