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Examining Physical Activity for Individuals With Disabilities Through a Social Justice Lens

Martin E. Block and Abby Fines

Many individuals with disabilities are not physically active. Part of inactivity can be explained by the person’s disability. However, inactivity also may be the result of inequities, attitudes, and misconceptions by physical activity (PA) providers that makes it difficult for those with disabilities to successfully participate in sport, recreation, and fitness pursuits. The purpose of this paper is to examine disability through a social justice lens with specific reference to PA. Concepts of ableism, social justice, and how disability is defined will be explored with specific examples from PA. We conclude with suggestions on how to make PA providers aware of ableism, their biases, and how they define and view disability. This awareness will hopefully lead to changes in the willingness of PA providers to welcome those with disabilities into their programs and provide accommodations so that people with disabilities will be able to access PA.

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Physical Educators’ Attitudes Toward Teaching Students With Disabilities After a Paralympic School Day Professional Development Program

Marie Leake, Martin E. Block, Abby Fines, and Cathy McKay

Purpose: This study aimed to examine physical educators’ attitudes toward teaching students with disabilities in general physical education after participating in a Paralympic School Day professional development program. Methods: Elementary through high school physical education teachers participated in a Paralympic School Day professional development program. Data from focus groups and written reflections were analyzed deductively and inductively using a three-step approach. Results: The analysis revealed five interrelated themes: (a) “you’re trying to accommodate everyone, and so it’s hard”; (b) “putting yourself in other people’s shoes”; (c) “I definitely want to use these ideas”; (d) “It made me think about all of my students”; and (e) “not talking is the hurtful action.” Discussion: Following the Paralympic School Day professional development program, physical educators described a shift in attitudes characterized by a desire to implement inclusive teaching practices and an enhanced focus on promoting conversations with individuals with disabilities.