Equitable Approaches Research Articles

Investigating the relationship between manual dexterity and auditory spatial processing

BackgroundManual dexterity, referring to fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination, has been suggested to influence various cognitive processes, including attention. Attention has been shown to be strongly related to auditory spatial processing, which primarily involves the perception and interpretation of sound locations in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between manual dexterity and auditory spatial processing abilities.MethodA total of 30 participants, aged 19–25 years (mean age: 22.06 ± 1.85 years), were assessed for handedness using the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire (EHQ). They were divided into 2 groups: 15 right-handed (RH) and 15 left-handed (LH) individuals based on their EHQ scores. The virtual auditory space identification (VASI) test was administered for the assessment of auditory spatial skills. It consists of presenting a series of virtually presented sounds from 8 azimuths (0°, R45°, R90°, R135°, 180°, L90°, L135°, and L45°) randomly through TDH HDA 200 headphones. Correct responses and biased responses along with their corresponding reaction times were calculated.ResultsResults revealed that although the RH group displayed a slightly stronger leftward bias in both degrees of error and reaction compared to the LH group and vice-versa, these differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionThe study concluded that there is little to no association between handedness and an individual’s auditory spatial ability. The absence of a significant difference in auditory spatial performance between RH and LH individuals may contribute to more inclusive and equitable approaches in fields where auditory spatial abilities are important.Trial registrationSH/IRB/RP/08. Registered 12 January 2023.

When Being an Expert May Not Be Enough: Understanding the Experiences of Special Education Professionals Parenting Children with Disabilities

How do special education-related professionals parenting children with disabilities experience the special education system? This qualitative exploratory study delves into the experiences of 25 mother-educators who are special education-related professionals navigating the special education system for their children with disabilities. Through thematic analysis, our findings elucidate how the special education system perpetuates inequitable practices. The study describes four central themes: (1) the nuanced role of mother-educators’ expertise, (2) the capacity and willingness of school staff to serve children with disabilities, (3) the inherent inequalities within the special education system, and (4) the role of advocacy. Most of these mother-educators could occasionally leverage social, cultural, and economic capital to advocate and secure services for their children. However, despite their ability to leverage such resources and extensive knowledge about their children and the special education system, these mother-educators encountered numerous challenges in advocating for and securing services for their children. We discuss the implications of our findings for federal mandates on family engagement and caution against the deficit-based nature of special education. Furthermore, we propose recommendations for fostering more equitable approaches within the system. This study underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure that all children with disabilities receive the support and services they deserve.

Persepsi Masyarakat terhadap Kebijakan Hukuman Mati dalam Kasus Narkotika di Indonesia: Analisis Kuantitatif melalui Survei Nasional

The death penalty remains one of the most contentious policies in addressing narcotics crimes in Indonesia. While implemented as a stringent measure to combat drug trafficking, the policy often sparks debates regarding its effectiveness and implications for human rights. This study aims to analyze public perceptions of the death penalty policy for narcotics-related offenses, focusing on how demographic factors such as age, education, and residence influence public support. Using a quantitative approach, this research employed a nationwide survey involving 1,500 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection combined online and offline methods to ensure broad representation. The findings reveal significant demographic variations in support for the death penalty. Younger and middle-aged respondents (25–40 years old) showed the highest levels of support (70%), particularly in urban areas (70%) compared to rural areas (55%). Educational attainment also influenced perspectives, with higher education levels correlating with increased support for the policy. The study concludes that public perceptions of the death penalty are shaped significantly by demographic and socio-cultural factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted communication strategies to address varying public concerns, particularly in rural areas where access to information may be limited. The research contributes to policy discussions by providing empirical insights into public opinion on this controversial issue. It recommends integrating public education campaigns and alternative rehabilitative measures to enhance public understanding and acceptance of narcotics policies. By grounding policy development in evidence-based research, this study aims to support more equitable and effective approaches to addressing drug-related crimes in Indonesia

Shining a spotlight on youth involvement in mental health research: Challenges and innovations

AbstractDespite progress in youth involvement in mental health research, considerable gaps remain in our understanding, conceptualisation, and implementation of involving children and young people in this field. This Editorial Perspective reflects on how these gaps present challenges to our research practices and often serve as barriers to meaningfully involving youth voices and experiences into the research process. We take a critical perspective to recent advances in the field of youth involvement in mental health research, reflected by the studies included in this special issue, and highlight examples of good practice paving the way for more equitable and inclusive approaches. Meaningful progress in mental health research relies on the active involvement of young people. Researchers, practitioners and policymakers have an ethical and moral responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment that empowers young people to participate in research that impacts their lives, care, and overall quality of life.

Decolonising Plant-Based Cultural Legacies in the Cultural Policies of the Global South

Abstract The promotion and preservation of cultural legacies, including botanical traditions, are integral components of national identity and development strategies in many countries, particularly in the Global South. However, the manner in which cultural policies address plant-based heritage is not only influenced by contemporary priorities but also deeply rooted in historical contexts, shaped by colonial legacies. A comparative reading of the cultural policies of India and Nigeria, this research investigates the impact of colonial history on plant-based cultural heritage policies in the Global South. The study pulls from the Postcolonial and Critical Heritage Studies frameworks, to argue that the formulation and implementation of cultural policies on botanical plant heritage have been greatly impacted by colonial legacies. The result is the disparities in conservation endeavours and relegation of autochthonous knowledge. By shedding light on the on-going effects of colonialism on cultural practices and environmental conservation in the Global South, this research offers insights for policymakers, culture and heritage practitioners, and scholars seeking to address the issues around colonial legacies in cultural heritage management. It also seeks to provoke discourses on equitable and sustainable approaches to plant-based heritage preservation.

Reinforcing inequalities: A critical examination of international sanctions and bureaucratic decline in the Global South

This study critically examines the impact of international sanctions on bureaucratic quality in 74 developing countries from 1990 to 2020, highlighting how global governance mechanisms influence domestic institutional capacities. By focusing on the interaction between sanctions and economic crises, the research provides fresh empirical evidence on how external political pressures can inadvertently hinder development trajectories in the Global South. Utilizing a fixed-effect regression methodology with robust controls and addressing endogeneity concerns, the findings reveal that international sanctions—especially multilateral ones from the EU and UN—significantly deteriorate bureaucratic quality, particularly during economic crises. This deterioration undermines state capacity, exacerbates inequalities, and challenges the effectiveness and fairness of sanctions as tools of global governance. The study contributes to debates on global development by demonstrating how sanctions can reinforce global power asymmetries and produce divergent development outcomes. It urges a re-evaluation of sanctions within international policy, advocating for more equitable and context-sensitive approaches that prioritize the institutional integrity and development needs of vulnerable nations. The research underscores the importance of aligning global governance mechanisms with ethical principles and development goals, promoting dialogue and collaboration over punitive measures to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable global development paradigm.

6.Q. Round table: Artificial Intelligence in healthcare: navigating ethically with equity and workforce empowerment

Abstract Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a pivotal technology with vast promises for healthcare. However, integrating AI into clinical and public health settings must be cautiously approached to ensure that it does not inadvertently exacerbate existing health system problems. The healthcare workers, already under severe stress, could view AI as a threat to job security rather than as a support mechanism. Moreover, past experiences with digital transformations, such as Electronic Health Records, have shown that technological integration can sometimes increase rather than decrease the burden on healthcare workers, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction, and thus worsening the healthcare workforce crisis. Furthermore, equity and ethical considerations are paramount in the deployment of AI in healthcare. Data privacy, patient consent, and algorithmic bias must be addressed to ensure that AI applications are designed to support and enhance human decision-making that is sensitive to the social determinants of health and accountable to equity and social inclusion, to the needs and rights of the healthcare workforce, and the dignity of the patients and populations. While AI presents significant opportunities for health systems and healthcare workers, there is a lack of knowledge, evidence-based policies, and ethical frameworks that support equitable and human-centred approaches to AI implementation. Objectives This round table workshop aligns three major public health challenges: the integration of AI in health systems, the global healthcare workforce crisis, and the improvement of equity and equality. It critically explores capacity building for AI, equity in AI implementation, and regulatory measures for ethical and responsible AI deployment, addressing the following major questions: What are the critical impacts of AI on the healthcare workforce? How can the healthcare workforce be effectively upskilled and supported to adapt to the changes brought by AI technologies? What regulatory frameworks and governance models are necessary to ensure AI’s safe and ethical implementation in healthcare, that is also sensitive to equity, gender equality and the needs of minority groups? Finally, what actionable steps and leadership can public health take to implement AI technologies while addressing the healthcare workforce needs, equity issues, and ethical guidelines? The panellists will illuminate these questions from different disciplinary approaches, helping us to disentangle complexity and to build capacity for evidence-based and socially inclusive AI policies. The workshop contributes to better understand the risks and benefits of AI. It seeks to advance knowledge exchange of good practice experiences and effective implementation. Key messages • The effects of AI on the healthcare workforce must be monitored and strategies adapted to mitigate the healthcare workforce crisis and to upskill and empower healthcare workers. • There is a need for human-centred and ethically responsive AI implementation and governance measures that support equity, gender equality, and diversity in healthcare settings. Speakers/Panelists Abi Sriharan Schulich School of Business York University, York, Canada Kasia Czabanowska Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands Bernadette Kumar Migration Health Unit, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway Marius-Ionuț Ungureanu Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Farhang Tahzib Faculty of Public Health, Haywards heath, UK

Prevalence of Unrecognized Cognitive Impairment in Federally Qualified Health Centers

There is a need for early and equitable detection of cognitive impairment among older adults. To examine the prevalence of unrecognized cognitive impairment among older adults receiving primary care from federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). This cross-sectional study was conducted at 5 FQHCs providing primary care in Indianapolis, Indiana, between 2021 and 2023. Participants were adults aged 65 years and older, without a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, or severe mental illness. Data analysis was performed from September 2023 to April 2024. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of dementia or MCI, as determined by an interdisciplinary clinical team using data from structured patient and study partner interviews, medical record reviews, and a detailed cognitive assessment, including neuropsychological testing. Differences between participants determined to have normal cognition, MCI, and dementia were assessed statistically using analysis of variance for continuous variables, χ2 or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables, or Fisher exact test alone when expected cell counts were 5 or less. A total of 844 eligible individuals were consecutively approached, 294 consented to participate, and 204 completed the study (mean [SD] age, 70.0 [5.1] years; 127 women [62.3%]). One hundred eight participants (52.9%) were African American, 5 (2.5%) were Hispanic, 199 (97.5%) were not Hispanic, and 90 (44.1%) were White. The mean (SD) duration of education was 13.1 (2.6) years, and the mean (SD) Area Deprivation Index score was 78.3 (19.9), indicating a high level of neighborhood disadvantage. In total, 127 patients (62.3%) met the diagnostic criteria for MCI, 25 (12.3%) had dementia, and 52 (25.5%) had no cognitive impairment. Compared with non-Hispanic White individuals and after adjusting for age, sex, and education level, African American individuals were more than twice as likely to have MCI or dementia (odds ratio, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.38-5.53; P = .02). This cross-sectional study found that unrecognized cognitive impairment is ubiquitous among older adults from underrepresented, minoritized racial and ethnic groups and those who are socially vulnerable receiving primary care from FQHCs. To overcome the disparity in early detection of cognitive impairment, timely, equitable, scalable, and sustainable detection approaches need to be developed.

Legacies and impacts of major sporting events for communities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds: a systematic review

PurposeThe global hosting of major events is garnering increasing attention from governments. As this phenomenon expands into emerging states, where arguably the most severe inequalities exist, the question of who truly benefits from these events has not been systematically scrutinised, particularly from an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) perspective. Therefore, adopting a nuanced segmentation approach is increasingly vital to assess the diverse impacts of hosting major sporting events on varied populations. This systematic review offers a broad and exploratory investigation into how major sporting events affect communities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (CIDBs).Design/methodology/approachIn alignment with the PRISMA guidelines, four academic databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English-language journals from 2000 to 2023. A total of 95 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, culminating in a final sample of 14 articles in the review.FindingsThe selected articles showed moderate quality and primarily used qualitative methods. The urban theories or event leverage frameworks are frequently employed. There are four legacy/impact themes that emerged: social, economic, sport and infrastructure. The prevailing conclusion is that CIDBs tend to experience negative legacies from these events.Research limitations/implicationsThis research underscores the pressing need for more socially responsible and equitable approaches to event hosting. Failing to tackle these crucial issues may intensify existing inequalities and provoke significant public dissatisfaction, thereby jeopardising the overarching goals these major events strive to accomplish.Originality/valueThis review marks the first of its kind, offering a thorough and comprehensive synthesis of evidence concerning the legacies of major events for CIDBs.

Adding a Cultural Lens to Active Transport Initiatives: Māori and Pacific Adolescents’ Perceptions of Transport to School

In Aotearoa/New Zealand, there is government directive and community support to focus on health equity in research and health promotion. Culturally responsive policies and services are expected. The purpose of this research is to describe Māori and Pacific adolescents’ perceptions of different modes of transport to school (walking, cycling, busing and being driven/driving) rather than to compare perceptions between different ethnic groups through a deficit lens which is commonplace. Reporting findings in this way is so that equitable approaches to policy, and initiatives for active transportation to school can be considered. This study analysed data from adolescents (age 13 to 18 years) (n = 3608) who completed an online survey at school as part of the BEATS Research Programme in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand. In addition, four focus groups were conducted with Māori and Pacific adolescents. Overwhelmingly, adolescents across all ethnic groups had similar perceptions of walking, cycling, being driven/driving and busing to school. This similarity means that a whole of population approach to policy would be sufficient when combined with good quality overarching cultural responsiveness imbedded to support equity for Māori and Pacific adolescents. Findings specific to Māori and to Pacific adolescents are reported which will enable policy makers to consider additional cultural nuances in the active transport space.

The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Optimizing strategies for lung nodule evaluation and management.

Lung nodules are frequently detected on low-dose computed tomography scans performed for lung cancer screening and incidentally detected on imaging performed for other reasons. There is wide variability in how lung nodules are managed by general practitioners and subspecialists, with high rates of guideline-discordant care. This may be due in part to the level of evidence underlying current practice guideline recommendations (primarily based on findings from uncontrolled studies of diagnostic accuracy). The primary aims of lung nodule management are to minimize harms of diagnostic evaluations while expediting the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. Potentially useful tools such as lung cancer probability calculators, automated methods to identify patients with nodules in the electronic health record, and multidisciplinary team evaluation are often underused due to limited availability, accessibility, and/or provider knowledge. Finally, relatively little attention has been paid to identifying and reducing disparities among individuals with screening-detected or incidentally detected lung nodules. This contribution to the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable Strategic Plan aims to identify and describe these knowledge gaps in lung nodule management and propose recommendations to advance clinical practice and research. Major themes that are addressed include improving the quality of evidence supporting lung nodule evaluation guidelines, strategically leveraging information technology, and placing emphasis on equitable approaches to nodule management. The recommendations outlined in this strategic plan, when carried out through interdisciplinary efforts with a focus on health equity, ultimately aim to improve early detection and reduce the morbidity and mortality of lung cancer. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Lung nodules may be identified on chest scans of individuals who undergo lung cancer screening (screening-detected nodules) or among patients for whom a scan was performed for another reason (incidental nodules). Although the vast majority of lung nodules are not lung cancer, it is important to have evidence-based, standardized approaches to the evaluation and management of a lung nodule. The primary aims of lung nodule management are to diagnose lung cancer while it is still in an early stage and to avoid unnecessary procedures and other harms.

Conservation beyond biopolitics: Vulnerability and abundance in Chennai's nature‐cultures

AbstractThis paper examines the possibilities for nature in contemporary times through a ground‐up investigation of nature practices in Chennai, India. It navigates dissonant strands of scholarship on the promise of urban regions as sites of exemplary social natures with an analytical framework that examines how autonomous nonhuman life in Chennai is variously enabled and inhibited. By studying a breadth of natures and nature practices within this urban site (instead of focusing on a particular species or habitat), the paper illuminates the socio‐material processes that undermine some natures even while supporting others, highlighting paradoxical responses to nonhuman agencies and resilience within the domain of ecological concern. The simultaneous analysis of Chennai's abundant and diminishing natures explains dissonances in urban natures scholarship, while offering fresh insights on more equitable approaches to nonhuman nature in human‐dominated landscapes. Specifically, it points to the value of reconfiguring concepts and practices of nature, both within and beyond conservation, in ways that are attentive to the plural forms of nonhuman flourishing and experiential vulnerability. Any meaningful prospect for more‐than‐human futures in urbanising worlds, the paper argues, rests not on biopolitical conservation that seeks to reproduce the past or build future ecologies of ‘legitimate’ natures, but on desisting from the displacement of, and re‐allowing room – conceptual, material and ethical – for already existing natures, whether scientifically valued or unintentional, whether imperilled or flourishing.

Integrating natural and cultural approaches in heritage conservation: Introduction to a Practice Note

During the first years of Covid, 2020–2023, a group of seven colleagues across three continents—working outside of institutional contexts—prepared a Practice Note on naturecultures. The Practice Note draws together the long-time work, experience, and thinking of the authors, all of whom work in the field of heritage conservation. It gives focus to the improved integration of nature and culture, and cultural heritage and natural heritage, in the work of caring for and safeguarding important places. By promoting awareness of diversity and mutual respect for multiple views and understandings, the Practice Note is concerned with working together, fostering dialogue, and creating long-lasting and equitable approaches to conservation. In this introduction, we outline the purpose, origins, and the making of the Practice Note.

The Intersection of HIV and Social Determinants of Health: A Comprehensive Review

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic remained a profound global health challenge, significantly impacting marginalized and underserved populations. While advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention strategies have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, the epidemic’s persistence is deeply intertwined with social determinants of health (SDOH). This comprehensive review examined the intersection of HIV and SDOH, highlighting how factors such as poverty, education, gender inequality, healthcare access, and stigma influenced HIV vulnerability and outcomes. Through a synthesis of current research and data, and utilizing a methodology that includes a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature and global health reports, the review underscored the critical role of SDOH in shaping HIV dynamics. It explored regional and population-based disparities, discussed innovations and interventions in HIV prevention and treatment, and proposed strategies to address these underlying determinants. Understanding and addressing the intersection of HIV and SDOH is crucial for developing more effective, equitable, and sustainable HIV prevention and treatment approaches, ultimately advancing global health equity and moving closer to ending the HIV epidemic as a public health threat. Keywords: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), HIV Prevention, Economic Inequality, Stigma and Discrimination, Innovative Interventions.

O4 - ‘Health professionals sometimes think we are machines, no matter how poor conditions are’: opportunities to adopt more equitable approaches to stillbirth prevention in Australia by strengthening professional relationships between midwives and interpreters

O4 - ‘Health professionals sometimes think we are machines, no matter how poor conditions are’: opportunities to adopt more equitable approaches to stillbirth prevention in Australia by strengthening professional relationships between midwives and interpreters

‘We are the roots!’ Decolonial practices of local tourism

The roots of ancestral legacy persist entangled with the currents of modern globalisation. While the global tourism market promotes corporate ventures and international travel, rural and Indigenous communities confront the challenge of adapting amidst hegemonic influences. In coastal communities of Ecuador, the juxtaposition of pre-colonial belonging and contemporary tourism development exemplifies this tension. Drawing on decolonial perspectives, this paper investigates how rural Indigenous communities on the Pacific coast of Ecuador have navigated their tourism ventures, negotiating notions of private property, access to credit, and business administration formalities, while upholding traditional Indigenous values and collective land property needs—what we term decolonial practices of local tourism. Moreover, the emergence of proximity tourism offers a promising avenue for advancing decolonial practices within the global tourism market, prioritising geographical and cultural closeness over conventional distance-focused approaches. Employing a collaborative approach, the research integrates Indigenous methodologies with conventional research methods, bridging diverse backgrounds within the research team, including academia, consultancy, and Indigenous leadership. The analysis underscores the pivotal role of collective land ownership in preserving cultural identity and fostering resistance to capitalist encroachments. The study concludes with a call to amplify Indigenous voices, cultivate solidarity, and advocate for more inclusive and equitable approaches to tourism development. This imperative stems from the need to decolonise and promote culturally sensitive local tourism practices, urging a reconfiguration of the tourism industry towards a more equitable and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.

Financial Inclusion, Ethical Investment, And Corporate Social Responsibility: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Factors Affecting Sustainable Finance In Indonesian MSMEs

Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are essential to the Indonesian economy, yet they frequently encounter obstacles when trying to obtain financing and implement ethical business practices. This study looks into how MSME performance and sustainable financing in Indonesia are affected by financial inclusion, ethical investing, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using survey data from 287 Indonesian MSMEs, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis is used quantitatively. The findings show a strong positive correlation between sustainable finance, CSR, ethical investing, financial inclusion, and MSME performance. More specifically, enhanced MSME performance and sustainable finance outcomes are linked to increased financial inclusion, ethical investing practices, and participation in CSR initiatives. These results highlight the significance of encouraging equitable and conscientious approaches to economic growth to improve the competitiveness and long-term viability of MSMEs in Indonesia.

Mutual capacity building model for adaptation (MCB-MA): a seven-step procedure for bidirectional learning and support during intervention adaptation

Global health reciprocal innovation emphasizes the movement of technologies or interventions between high- and low-income countries to address a shared public health problem, in contrast to unidirectional models of “development aid” or “reverse innovation”. Evidence-based interventions are frequently adapted from the setting in which they were developed and applied in a new setting, presenting an opportunity for learning and partnership across high- and low-income contexts. However, few clear procedures exist to guide researchers and implementers on how to incorporate equitable and learning-oriented approaches into intervention adaptation across settings. We integrated theories from pedagogy, implementation science, and public health with examples from experience adapting behavioral health interventions across diverse settings to develop a procedure for a bidirectional, equitable process of intervention adaptation across high- and low-income contexts. The Mutual capacity building model for adaptation (MCB-MA) is made up of seven steps: 1) Exploring: A dialogue about the scope of the proposed adaptation and situational appraisal in the new setting; 2) Developing a shared vision: Agreeing on common goals for the adaptation; 3) Formalizing: Developing agreements around resource and data sharing; 4) Sharing complementary expertise: Group originating the intervention supporting the adapting group to learn about the intervention and develop adaptations, while gleaning new strategies for intervention implementation from the adapting group; 5) Reciprocal training: Originating and adapting groups collaborate to train the individuals who will be implementing the adapted intervention; 6) Mutual feedback: Originating and adapting groups share data and feedback on the outcomes of the adapted intervention and lessons learned; and 7) Consideration of next steps: Discuss future collaborations. This evidence-informed procedure may provide researchers with specific actions to approach the often ambiguous and challenging task of equitable partnership building. These steps can be used alongside existing intervention adaptation models, which guide the adaptation of the intervention itself.

Beyond adaptive practices: physical education for all

Legislation and policy internationally are underpinned by the expectation that educators remove barriers to learning, emphasize inclusion, and improve access for all learners. Extensive investment has provided support to assist teachers to adopt inclusive education approaches. And yet, as evidenced in international literature, the lived experiences of many young people in physical education (PE) classes, and particularly those who are identified, or who self-identify, as in need of special support, indicate that PE is anything but inclusive and equitable, and may in many cases result in learning outcomes counter to what is desired. We contend that, while much of the rhetoric of PE speaks to inclusion, institutional systems, the traditional framing of PE as curriculum policy, ‘classroom’ practice’, professional development offerings, and how research publications and or guidelines present PE leads to diagnostically driven and deficit-focused adaptative PE offerings for students in need of support. Moreover, PE as it is often presented curtails opportunities for equitable outcomes and inclusive approaches, and instead has the potential to reinforce and perpetuate ableist agendas. Accordingly, we argue that the adoption of a Universal Design for Learning approach that aims for ‘education for all’ by designing flexible curriculum that is focused on learner-centred, barrier-free education, is a vital step toward a more equitable, engaging, meaningful, and relevant PE experience. The foundational principles using this approach are that difference is valued, celebrated, and accounted for in all aspects of education. Implementing such a change requires that normative assumptions and practices are challenged by re-evaluating definitions of (physical) educational success and considering how teachers/schools can transcend traditional curriculum programmes to better meet the needs of all learners. We conclude with a call for a transformative shift in PE programming and practices to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reap the benefits of PE.

Developing U.S. West Coast recreational fishing community measures: Applying an index approach in the context of COVID-19 and social vulnerability

Despite the socio-economic importance of recreational fishing across many coastal communities, a well-defined conceptualization for place-based recreational fishing communities has remained noticeably absent across the U.S. West Coast. Following the framework of natural-resource dependence, this study constructs and evaluates recreational fishing indices, which serve as tools for assessing the involvement and impact of recreational fishing within different communities at the scale of the Census Designated Place. Components of the indices are selected to construct an engagement index of the overall economic activity related to recreational fishing, while a reliance index considers engagement per capita. The indices were then conceptually validated through correlation analyses with proxies for participation and interest. Temporal variations in both indices were evaluated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic through a series of mixed-linear models, providing the first detailed assessment of the pandemic's impact on recreational fishing activity across the region. Despite shifts in individual angler participation and interest, the indices remained stable, with engagement declining following the pandemic. Additionally, the communities are evaluated with regard to their social vulnerability, finding communities with higher engagement as less vulnerable than those with higher reliance. Overall, this work provides valuable insights for identifying and assessing recreational fishing communities, potentially informing more sustainable and socially equitable management approaches.