Date Presented 04/21/21
A community adaptive sports and recreation program promotes social, physical, and emotional health and well-being for people with disabilities. Since the program's inception, many participants have voluntarily submitted letters and stories describing the program's impact on their daily lives. This research qualitatively examined the significance of engagement in this program on participants' health and well-being by analyzing their true lived experiences, expressed in their own words.
Primary Author and Speaker: Sandra Brown
Additional Authors and Speakers: Carly Peters, Renee Watling
PURPOSE: Nearly 40 million people in the United States are currently living with a disability and are part of every social, economic, and racial demographic (Mercado, 2017). Physical disability can lead to social isolation, loss of independence, feelings of helplessness and depression (Noh, Kwon, Park, Oh, & Kim, 2016). The incidence of health problems in individuals with long-term disabilities is significant, especially when the disability is early-onset (Hilberink, Van Der Slot, & Klem, 2017). Common conditions reported include fatigue and pain, depression, engagement in fewer social activities, and higher perceived stress (Hilberink, et al., 2017; Silveira, Ledoux, Cottingham, & Hernandez, 2017). In 2007, a non-profit community-based adaptive sports and recreation program was created for individuals with physical and/or visual disabilities to promote social, physical and emotional health and well-being. Within the program, routine surveys have been conducted utilizing the World Health Organization Quality of Life Group Assessment (WHO Quality of Life Group, 1998) to measure change in well-being and life satisfaction as participants engage in the program. Previous investigation of the quantitative data did not demonstrate significant change in quality of life over time, possibly due to a ceiling effect with the QoL survey item. Since the program's inception, many participants have voluntarily submitted letters and stories describing the significance of involvement in this program on their health and well-being. The purpose of this project was to further investigate the true lived experiences of participants as expressed in their own words to understand of the impact a community adaptive sports and recreation program has on health and well-being of participants with disabilities.
DESIGN: This research was a retrospective, exploratory examination of unsolicited written feedback and testimonials from adults and caregivers aged 18 and older who have participated in the program. Data were compiled and deidentified by program staff from 2007 through 2019. These data were from public sources such as social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram); printed media (e.g. newspaper articles); voluntary submissions (e.g. letters, cards), and optional event surveys.
METHOD: This study used qualitative grounded theory methodology for analysis. Using open, axial, and selective coding allowed for concepts and themes to develop over time. Data were individually coded from oldest to newest by each researcher; then organized, grouped, and cross-indexed. Data triangulation occurred using multiple sources (e.g. letters, social media) and was then tabulated by the researchers to obtain consensus and formulate concepts.
RESULTS: Data were obtained from 92 participants, 28 caregivers, and seven outside staff. Preliminary analysis shows emerging themes that include changes in self-efficacy, perception of disability, social impact, holistic enhancement, and empowerment, in addition to overall appreciation and significance of the program on participants' lives.
CONCLUSION: Participants reported increased engagement in activities both within and outside of the program. Participants reported returning to, or attempting activities never experienced prior to their disability. New relationships were formed, increased socialization was reported, a sense of 'normalcy' was expressed, and some participants felt as if they were given a second chance at life.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Engagement in meaningful activities with the intent to enhance participation in life is the foundation of occupational therapy. For people with disabilities, participation in a community adaptive sports and recreation can lead to overall improvements in well-being and quality of life.
References
Hilberink, S.R, van der Slot, W.M.A, & Klem, M. (2017). Health and participation problems in older adults with long-term disability. Disability and Health Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2016.12.004
Silveira, S., Ledoux, T., Cottingham, M., & Hernandez, D. (2017). Association among practice frequency on depression and stress among competitive US male wheelchair rugby athletes with tetraplegia. Spinal Cord, 55(10), 957-962. https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2017.40
