Physical Activity for Disabled Youth: Hidden Parental Labor

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

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Donna L. Goodwin University of Alberta

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Amanda Ebert University of Alberta

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2017-0110
Keywords:
developmental delay; inclusion; parents; qualitative inquiry; relational ethics
In Print:
Volume 35: Issue 4
Page Range:
342–360
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Locating suitable, inclusive community physical activity programs for disabled children can be challenging for parents. The aim of this study was to uncover everyday hidden labor experienced by parents, as they sought inclusive physical activity opportunities for their children. Focus group interviews with eight families of youth aged 13–19 years were completed using an interpretative phenomenological case study research approach. Four themes, interpreted through the framework of relational ethics, captured their experiences: (a) inclusion is immensely effortful; (b) judged by their impairments, not their possibilities; (c) ongoing education needed to open doors and sustain participation; and (d) the guilt of staying home. Reliance on hidden parental labor highlighted an exclusion agenda in community, accentuated by ableist belief systems.

Goodwin and Ebert are with the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Goodwin (donna.goodwin@ualberta.ca) is corresponding author.
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