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.