Inclusion of People Aging With Disabilities in Sports and Leisure: An Environmental Scan on Opportunities and Capacity-Building Needs in Quebec,Canada

Abstract

Participation in leisure and sport activities is a vital form of social participation and a key determinant of healthy aging. Yet, people aging with disabilities (hereafter PAwD) continue to face barriers. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of leisure and sport opportunities for PAwD in Quebec (Canada) through an environmental scan. Among the 156 organizations that completed the online survey, 134 (85.9%) were already providing inclusive activities, while two others were working toward greater inclusion. The most frequently reported barriers and needs were increased funding, participant recruitment, partnerships, and program adaptation. Comparison analyses revealed that barriers, as well as organizations’ capacities and needs, varied by whether organizations offered inclusive activities, with some differences also observed across regions and among organizational types. These findings underscore the importance of targeted policies and co-created capacity-building initiatives to help organizations sustain and expand inclusive leisure and sport offerings, thereby supporting healthy aging among PAwD.