By Declan Downie, University of the West of Scotland
With the intention of building the foundation for my research, I set off on May 10th for a two-month visit in Ontario, Canada. My research focused on exploring the lived experiences of children and adults with disabilities (CAwD), who are either current or previous participants in sport or high-level athletes.
A dedication to critical realism philosophy and human rights values lies at the heart of this examination, forming the perspective that guides my approach to this significant study. For CAwDs, sport is an essential human right, hence it is important to investigate the dearth of data indicating these groups have few possibilities (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1356336X221141598).
A number of human rights frameworks in Ontario, Canada, provide the right to engage in sport. All people have the right to access and engage in recreational and sporting activities without facing discrimination on the basis of their disability or any other protected ground, as guaranteed by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act (https://laws-loisdjusticesgcsca/eng/acts/h-6/ ). Considering the substantial psychological, social, and physical advantages that participating in sports may provide, these legal frameworks seek to guarantee that everyone, including persons with disabilities, has fair access to sports.
Several CAwDs in Ontario, London experience substantial obstacles to participating in sports, even with these legal rights. Key issues have been identified through interactions with colleagues, local sport clubs, and persons with disabilities. Many sports facilities lack the essential modifications, like ramps, lifts, or specialised equipment, making them partially inaccessible. Sport coaches I spoke with mentioned the lack of training and support to incorporate and support athletes with disabilities. Additionally, there are not many programmes (created especially for CAwDs), which limits the options for involvement. Furthermore, societal stigma and prejudice against person with disabilities are commonplace, which may deter them from participating in sports.
Understanding sport participation for CAwDs is crucial for several reasons. It helps identify existing barriers and gaps in accessibility, which can inform policy and programme development aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment. This understanding is essential for ensuring that persons with disabilities can enjoy the same benefits of sport participation as their non-disabled peers, including improved physical health, social integration, and enhanced mental well-being. Furthermore, this comparative study aims to address these challenges for CAwDs.
Meaningful Connections
Adam Purdy, a colleague made this trip fantastic for my visit. Together, we delved into the intricacies of academia, collaborating on a paper that explores the Intentional Misrepresentation of Classification using a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. Our discussions were stimulating, and the opportunity to work alongside Adam enriched my understanding of our research topic. The European Association for Sport Management has approved our work for presentation, and we aim to publish this project once completed. The reviewers acknowledged the importance and level of our work and gave insightful comments. We are eager to inform the community about our findings. Furthermore, Adam and I actively engaged in adding to an ethics form on Disability Sport and Events.
Adam and I have a passion for coaching swimming in London, Ontario outside of academia. By spending our evenings by the pool, we developed our swimmers’ abilities while also creating a solid friendship built on respect and companionship (https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/canlac/page/home). These common experiences, both within and outside of academia, highlighted how crucial meaningful relationships are to promoting both professional and personal development. This also opened up further connections within the club to conduct data collection with Para Sport Athletes.
I am excited to continue my data collection efforts on my second trip to Ontario, Canada. I am able to deepen my relationships with my respected colleagues while also taking advantage of an opportunity that promises to enrich my research. Building on the partnerships that have already been successful, I’m looking forward to establishing new ones. It will surely motivate and energise my work, but I’m also eager to see more of Ontario’s stunning scenery and dynamic culture. My research and continued links within the academic world will benefit greatly from this trip, which will also help me grow professionally and make new friends.
