Open Access
American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
ISSN (Online): 2378-7031
DOI: 10.46568/arjhss
Sports for Inclusion and Empowerment: Examining the Impact on Persons with Disabilities
Abstract
The present paper explored the impact of sports participation on individuals with disabilities, focusing on perceived
benefits for empowerment; social benefits, challenges, and perceptions of inclusion. A sample of 30 participants with
disabilities from Jammu and Kashmir, UT, aged between 15 to 30 years, were included in the study. Data were collected
through an online questionnaire.
Sports involvement benefited both physical and mental health, participants reporting better overall well-being and stress management. However Physical and societal limitations restricted their ability to participate in sports. The main limiting issues were particularly inadequate accessibility and prejudice. Sports participation has been shown to empower individuals by increasing their confidence and self-esteem. Most individuals felt respected and appreciated by others, however some had unfavourable perspective alterations. Within the disability sports community, opportunities for leadership and advocacy were limited. Participants, on the other hand, felt the community as inclusive and friendly.
Disabled sports athletes advocated for more accessible facilities and equipment, improved leadership and advocacy opportunities, and expanded education and knowledge about disability rights and inclusion to encourage empowerment and social inclusion. The findings can help policymakers, organisations, and practitioners improve the inclusion and efficacy of disability sports programmes.
Sports involvement benefited both physical and mental health, participants reporting better overall well-being and stress management. However Physical and societal limitations restricted their ability to participate in sports. The main limiting issues were particularly inadequate accessibility and prejudice. Sports participation has been shown to empower individuals by increasing their confidence and self-esteem. Most individuals felt respected and appreciated by others, however some had unfavourable perspective alterations. Within the disability sports community, opportunities for leadership and advocacy were limited. Participants, on the other hand, felt the community as inclusive and friendly.
Disabled sports athletes advocated for more accessible facilities and equipment, improved leadership and advocacy opportunities, and expanded education and knowledge about disability rights and inclusion to encourage empowerment and social inclusion. The findings can help policymakers, organisations, and practitioners improve the inclusion and efficacy of disability sports programmes.
