This article presents the results of a scoping review on strategies that foster social inclusion of individuals with intellectual disability through sports. Five promising strategies were identified in 14 articles: 1) develop Unified Sports, 2) develop peer-support programs, 3) facilitate participation as an athlete in mainstream activities, 4) facilitate participation as a fan in mainstream activities, and 5) conduct activities to raise awareness. Their outcomes and key considerations for implementation are presented. Then, a model of social inclusion through participation in sports and physical activities is proposed as a mean to provide guidelines on how to provide a range of meaningful opportunities for sports participation in context(s) that are as inclusive as possible with enabling supports provided as needed.
Background. The integration of a life environment enabling people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to fully exercise their independence must be well prepared. Purpose. Review and describe interventions intended to develop the independence at home of people with ASD. Method. The PRISMA method was used to perform a systematic review based on 19 keywords, grouped under three concepts: (a) population age (adolescents and adults), (b) diagnosis (ASD), and (c) independence. Findings. Seven effective interventions were identified in the 20 selected articles: (a) video self-modeling, (b) video modeling, (c) behavioural interventions, (d) video prompting, (e) transition planning program, (f) training in the use of a cognitive aid, and (g) social skills group. Implications. The results of this review will help guide practitioners in the implementation of interventions that foster the development of independence at home of people with ASD.
This article presents the results of a study on the perspectives of stakeholders from mainstream and specialized sports settings on seven strategies that could boost the impact of sports on social inclusion of people with intellectual disability. These strategies are: 1) developing Unified Sports, 2) conducting activities to raise awareness, 3) providing training to coaches, 4) using shadows, 5) developing a peer-support structure, 6) having a resource person available when needed, and 7) facilitating engagement in nonplaying roles. The perspectives of 28 stakeholders regarding the advantages, disadvantages, and considerations for implementation of the different strategies were gathered in discussion groups. Findings could help diversify opportunities for athletes with intellectual disability and develop programs and policies that contribute to building inclusive communities through sports.
A survey was conducted to document the perspectives of stakeholders in Quebec (Canada) on seven strategies that could promote social inclusion of people with intellectual disability through sports and physical activities. These strategies are associated with Unified Sports, awareness raising, training to coaches, supports through a companion, a peer or a resource person, and involvement in another role. A total of 229 individuals completed the survey. Their openness and desire to be involved was generally high for all seven strategies. Two strategies came out as most frequently prioritized: providing training to coaches and reinforcing awareness raising activities.
Walking interviews are increasingly used in the field of health to understand the relationship between individuals and places. With this method, the interviewer and the participant move from place to place within an environment and use it to enrich the discussion. Several advantages have been reported concerning its use, such as the richness of the data it provides and that it allows interviewers to immerse themselves in the participant’s world. This article is based on the experience of using walking interviews in an innovative context, with 10 autistic adolescents and adults and 13 parents. The method was used in the participants’ home environment, as part of study conducted in Québec (Canada) on home environment factors that influence autistic people’s independence at home. It was chosen to meet the study objectives, but also to support the participation of autistic people in research interviews. These people’s participation in research can be a challenge when data collection methods are not adapted, given the difficulties that some have communicating and interacting socially, as well as discussing abstract topics. In this article, the advantages, limitations and suggestions related to the use of walking interviews are reported from the participants’ and interviewer’s perspectives. The authors also discuss the potential for using walking interviews to collect the perspectives of other populations, especially those with difficulties expressing themselves, such as allophones or people with language disorders.
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