A Multi-Institutional Review of College Campus Adapted Intramural Sports Programming for College Students With and Without a Disability

Abstract

This study examined factors surrounding the development and advancement of campus intramural programming for college students with physical disabilities. Campus recreation staff from 164 universities completed a survey examining campus programming for students with and without physical disabilities, marketing, modifications, barriers, needs, and strategies for developing adapted and inclusive intramural sports programming. Weight training, cardiovascular training, and personal training were among the most reported programming designed to include students with physical disabilities. Wheelchair basketball is among the longest-running intramural programs with sitting volleyball, goalball, and beep baseball increasing in popularity. Environmental and equipment accessibility was a predominant strategy and accommodation to facilitate inclusive programming, with the primary reason for not including adapted or inclusive intramural programming attributed to lack of request or too few students with physical disabilities on campus. Additional results and discussion address best practices and recommendations to initiate and improve programming for students with physical disabilities.

Inclusivity & Modification Attitudes in Collegiate Intramural Sport: A Pilot Study

“…This relates to what, why, and how an environment is considered inclusive for students with disabilities. The staff perceptions and/or training seems to also play into the level of inclusivity of campus recreation programs which is evident in various studies (i.e., Bassett-Gunter et al, 2019; Gmelch et al, 1998; Martin Ginis et al, 2016; and Shapiro et al, 2020).…”

“…Shapiro et al (2020) conducted a study to focus on the factors inhibiting and facilitating the adapted and inclusive intramural sports programming for college students with disabilities by campus recreation departments. The researchers looked at what programs the university was offering, what modifications and adaptations were being made, what strategies were being used, what were the needs of the staff regarding programming, and what were staff perceptions of providing inclusive or adapted programs.…”

“…The researchers looked at what programs the university was offering, what modifications and adaptations were being made, what strategies were being used, what were the needs of the staff regarding programming, and what were staff perceptions of providing inclusive or adapted programs. The findings showed that campus recreation departments offered inclusive and accommodating programs but significant barriers persisted, including limited time to train staff, lack of facility space, and students with disability’s limited interest (Shapiro et al, 2020). Attitudes and stereotypical perceptions of students with physical disabilities were found to impact participation in inclusive sports.…”

“…This relates to what, why, and how an environment is considered inclusive for students with disabilities. The staff perceptions and/or training seems to also play into the level of inclusivity of campus recreation programs which is evident in various studies (i.e., Bassett-Gunter et al, 2019;Gmelch et al, 1998;Martin Ginis et al, 2016;and Shapiro et al, 2020). Shapiro et al (2020) conducted a study to focus on the factors inhibiting and facilitating the adapted and inclusive intramural sports programming for college students with disabilities by campus recreation departments.…”

“…The staff perceptions and/or training seems to also play into the level of inclusivity of campus recreation programs which is evident in various studies (i.e., Bassett-Gunter et al, 2019;Gmelch et al, 1998;Martin Ginis et al, 2016;and Shapiro et al, 2020). Shapiro et al (2020) conducted a study to focus on the factors inhibiting and facilitating the adapted and inclusive intramural sports programming for college students with disabilities by campus recreation departments. The researchers looked at what programs the university was offering, what modifications and adaptations were being made, what strategies were being used, what were the needs of the staff regarding programming, and what were staff perceptions of providing inclusive or adapted programs.…”