The Provision of Disability Sports in Schools.

Abstract

Physical activity is a way all individuals maintain their health. Many public health and physical educators promote physical activity of those with disabilities, particularly to increase their socialization and physical health while decreasing comorbidities. One way for individuals with disabilities to develop their physical activity is through sport. However, we rarely assess the provision of sport opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Title IX holds schools accountable to the provision of athletic opportunities across genders, the ADA and Rehabilitation Act do not. We present a case for the importance of accountability regarding sport for individuals with disabilities, particularly shifting from a medical model to a social model for the provision of sport. The purpose of this paper is to call attention to the lack of understanding on the provision of disability sport in the United States. In particular we highlight the lack of national data on this topic as well as the administration of athletics in schools as possible areas for improvement.