Athletic Trainers’ Experiences Working With Athletes With a Physical Disability in School-Based Sports
in International Journal of Athletic Therapy and TrainingThis study describes the experiences of over 500 school-based athletic trainers (ATs) and their familiarity, knowledge, comfort, and confidence working with athletes with a disability. ATs’ experiences in managing the health care of school-based athletes with a physical disability are unknown. Half of the respondents indicated experience providing services to these athletes, while 70% indicated little to no specific training/education. About half of the ATs reported being comfortable and confident in managing the care of athletes with a physical disability, while a quarter reported being knowledgeable. Findings suggest that experience helps provide ATs with comfort and confidence in caring for these athletes, but educational opportunities are still needed.
Valier is with the Athletic Training Programs, Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Research Support, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ, USA. Picha is with the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ, USA. Fay is with the Physical Therapy Program, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ, USA.
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