Elements Contributing to Limited Participation of Disabled Children in School Based Sport Extracurricular Activities

Efrem Kentiba

doi:10.11648/j.ijsspe.20170206.11

Abstract

Aim of the study is to assess “Elements contributing to limited participation of children with disabilities (CWDs) in school based sport extracurricular activities” using descriptive survey design. The study participants were purposely selected (n=36). Observation using check lists, semi structured questionnaires and structured interview was administered. And the data obtained was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. As the findings shows opportunities to participate in school based sport extracurricular activities are unequal among disabled and non-disabled children in schools which is in contrast with UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities [12] which states to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access with other children to participation in play, recreation, leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system. This limited CWDs to get the (Physical, Social and Psychological) benefits of participation in sport extracurricular activities. Lack of opportunities for participation, disability sport competitions at school level, poor facilities, poor school compound, poor student to student support and lack of awareness on including CWDs in sport activities are found as contributing elements. Recommendations: support professional development and mentorship opportunities for volunteer staffs, physical education teachers and create awareness on inclusive issues, all members of the sport extracurricular activities should be tasked with ensuring that CWDs feel welcome to participate, promote sports that embrace diversity and open them to all participants regardless of ability, pair CWDs with partners without disabilities on teams for competition and schools should prepare disability sport competitions as they prepare for non – disabled ones, by doing this, they can show the ability of disabled students.

Highlights

Extracurricular activities are school based organized student activities typically carrying no academic credit [1]
In line with this students with disabilities interviewed “Does your school sport clubs welcome you to take part in sport extracurricular activities?, except few subjects many of them said they don’t invite to take part in it, whereas, two participants said if there are class friends in the clubs, they invite, but if no one who knows us is there they don’t. This is in agreement with interview results of students with disabilities and nondisabled ones and field observation results in all schools under study. This is in contrast with UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities [12] which states to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access with other children to participation in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system
The aim of the study was to seek out major elements contributing to limited participation of children with disabilities in school based sport extracurricular activities

Summary

Introduction

Extracurricular activities are school based organized student activities typically carrying no academic credit [1]. The key developmental tasks defining this stage include the establishment of peer relations, acquirement of socially appropriate conduct, and forming the basis for academic achievement [2]. These skills can be developed in extracurricular activities, which usually offer experiences of teamwork and support the development of many social, cognitive, and physical skills [3]. Studies in the area indicate that both the type of extracurricular programs and level of participation may impact the individuals' development [4]. Students’ participation in extracurricular activities is not common for children with disabilities [4]. Some evidence has been put forward suggesting that extracurricular activities might be beneficial for at-risk populations [3]

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Results

Conclusion