(Re)creating a healthy self in and through disability sport: autoethnographic chaos and quest stories from a sportswoman with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Those with physical disabilities are at increased risk of poor physical, mental and social health. Despite widely reported physiological and psychosocial benefits of sport for disabled people's health and wellbeing, participation remains low and is in decline. Subsequently, we answer calls for greater focus on individuals' voices to understand the complexities of disabled people's participation in sport. Through a narrative autoethnographic approach we critically show and examine the lived experiences of a young female sportswoman with a disability (Gemma), as she reflects on the role of sport in, through and beyond her childhood. Framed within Arthur Frank's narratives of injury and illness, we highlight the sport-based posthumanist narrative(s) that enabled Gemma's (re)construction of a healthy self. Ultimately, we offer narrative inquiry, including autoethnographic methods, as a framework for understanding the lived experiences of children and young people with physical disabilities and practical recommendations for expanding narrative resources. Points of interest• Despite the barriers to and benefits of sport and exercise for children and young with a disability, the number who participate remains low and is in decline. • This research examines stories from a young woman with cerebral palsy as she reflects on the role of sport in and beyond her childhood. • She views her participation in sport as a turning point in her life when she was struggling to work out who she was and what she could be in the world. • Sport has enabled her to make sense of who she was, who she is and who she can be and has therefore supported her health and wellbeing.

The Effect of Disability and Social Determinants of Health on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Similar patterns of health care underutilization have been reported among people with disabilities across a range of preventive services and medical examinations (21,22). This underutilization may be attributed to various factors, such as physical accessibility, communication barriers, and lack of health care provider expertise in managing patients with disabilities; these factors warrant further research (23). Research on disability and health behaviors underscores the effect of these factors on the engagement of people with disabilities in preventive behaviors (24,25).…”

“…This underutilization may be attributed to various factors, such as physical accessibility, communication barriers, and lack of health care provider expertise in managing patients with disabilities; these factors warrant further research ( 23 ). Research on disability and health behaviors underscores the effect of these factors on the engagement of people with disabilities in preventive behaviors ( 24 , 25 ). During the COVID-19 pandemic, these factors were most likely intensified.…”

“…Interventions need to be tailored to the unique needs and challenges of people with disabilities, encompassing strategies such as individualized communication, physical adjustments, and specialized health care provider training (23). The design of interventions aimed at promoting mammograms and Pap tests among this group must prioritize the accessibility and adaptability of health care facilities and services, especially during a public health crisis.…”

Attitudes of Physically Disabled Athletes and Sedentary Individuals towards Normal Development Individuals: A Reverse Approach

“…Spor yapan bedensel engelli bireylerin, dâhil oldukları spor branşı sayesinde kendilerini daha mutlu, zinde ve özgüvenli hissettikleri gözlemlenmiştir. Yapılan bir çalışmada doğuştan bedensel engele sahip olan bireylerin spor yoluyla psikolojik ve fizyolojik anlamda kendilerini daha mutlu hissettikleri belirlenmiştir (Lumsdaine and Lord, 2021). Bedensel engele sahip sedanter bireylerin, engelli sporuna ilişkin bakış açılarının da benzer şekilde olduğu belirlenmiştir.…”