By Dr. Andrew Bailey, University of the West of Scotland
On 31st August 2024, I began my journey from Glasgow UK to London Ontario Canada for a month-long research trip based at Western University. My arrival coincided with the beginning of Orientation Week, meaning that I witnessed lots of new students move in with the help of their families, along with the inevitable tears when families said goodbye. No tears for me as I was able to enjoy the hot sunny weather that I also arrived to.
There were two aims of my trip:
- To develop research into the opportunities and struggles that people with disabilities face when seeking to participate in sport.
- To build international relationships and develop opportunities for collaborations.
I am pleased to say that I achieved these aims during the trip, with scope to further develop now back in the UK.
From a research point of view, the trip provided me with the time and “thinking space” to begin research in a new area for me- disability rights and sport. I was able to review current literature and prominent theoretical approaches. As a result, I identified that there remains a lack of a voice for people with disabilities when it comes to discussing the opportunities and struggles for participation in sport. I was able to discuss my developing understanding of these matters with colleagues from Western University.
To highlight the opportunities and struggles experienced by people with disabilities when seeking to participate in sport, I am developing realist initial programme theories, through a literature synthesis, development of a middle-range theory, and photovoice.
The photovoice will involve individuals taking photographs (the photo-mission) from the following photo-triggers:
1. How the physical environment provides opportunities and/or struggles for your participation in sport. These could be physical and/or emotional struggles.
2. Places where you feel a sense of belonging and/or unbelonging. This could be in a sporting or generic social context.
3. Personal factors which may affect your participation in sport- good and/or bad.
4. How barriers/enablers you experience affect your social interaction with others.
The photo-mission will then be followed by a one-one interview with those taking part in the study. I intend for these photo-missions and interviews to be completed by the end of 2024, with findings being disseminated in 2025. During the second part of the trip, I was able to contact individuals who wish to take part in my research.
The trip also offered the opportunity to develop international connections and opportunities for future collaboration. I was fortunate to be able to work closely with Professor Laura Misener, and Adam Purdy. Spending time with both Laura and Adam has helped not only my academical thinking, but also how I aspire to work with colleagues moving forward. The leadership qualities and critical academical thinking shown by Laura and Adam were great examples of what I aspire to develop in my own day to day work.
The final weekend turned into a football weekend, with Adam taking me to the Homecoming football match on Saturday between the Western Mustangs and Queen’s Gaels, with the Mustangs winning comfortably (see images). Then on Sunday Adam invited me to an NFL and pizza evening which also included Adam showing me his Paralympic gold medals. This began a discussion on “What is a Paralympic gold medal worth?” in comparison to an Olympic medal. Watch this space for future work that we may do on this.
Overall, the trip was a success, and I look forward to collecting the data and completing the research over the coming months, as well as remaining in contact with Laura and Adam. Moving forward, the next milestones for me will be to complete data collection and conduct data analysis, followed by writing up the research to submit to a journal for publication.