Adaptive Sports in Schools
Project Description:
Adaptive Athletic program for middle school students in grades 6 through 8 in year one, and add high schools in year two. The focus will be on introducing/developing adaptive sports and inclusion through Physical Education classes with broad reach to all children, teachers, and administrators who will share the success of this program with other schools. We hope to reach youth with disabilities who are not participating in sports or fitness. These youth with disabilities will be invited to Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS) after-school program on Saturdays. JAWS: Juniors Active in Wheelchair Sports is free and open to all kids. Additionally, SAAS offers Wheelchair sports, fitness & basketball on Tuesdays & Thursdays 5 pm-8 pm in partnership with the City of Tucson Therapeutic Recreation.
1-day 'Adaptive Sports Introduction' with an assembly, athletes demo, and inclusive sports activities with kids.
1-week 'Adaptive Sports PE Take-Over' with an assembly, athletes demo, and intensive sports activities throughout the week in PE classes. The UAAA and SAAS coaches will assist PE teachers in leading the classes. Each class will play wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and seated volleyball. Track & field coaching will be offered to schools that have an interest and where kids with disabilities are identified. Wheelchair tennis may be added if there is an existing tennis program.
This is an MPH student lead project with Dr. Duke Duncan as primary supervisor.
Keyword(s):
Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs, adaptive sports, education
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Mulit-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
