‘George’s Gymnastics Program’, a Community Gymnastic Program for Children with a Disability: Perceptions of Participant Stakeholders
<i>Background</i>: The aim of this study is to understand what children with a disability like and dislike about participating in a gymnastics program, and to understand the views of the adults supporting the program. <i>Methods</i>: Children with a mild intellectual disabili...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Disabilities |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/4/4/58 |
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| Summary: | <i>Background</i>: The aim of this study is to understand what children with a disability like and dislike about participating in a gymnastics program, and to understand the views of the adults supporting the program. <i>Methods</i>: Children with a mild intellectual disability (aged 5–12) from a primary school providing special education participated in one of four gymnastics programs (1 h/week for 5 weeks) at a gymnastics centre. The program included ~25–50 children per group, with ~20 adults providing support, including gymnastics coaches, teachers, and adult students on placement. To evaluate the program, children (11–12-year-olds; <i>n</i> = 51) were invited to complete a written two-page reflection, and the adults were invited to participate in one of three focus groups. <i>Results</i>: 150 children attended one of four programs. Twenty-six 11–12-year-olds participated in the evaluation (<i>n</i> = 26/51, 51%), and, from the written responses, the themes of ‘individual preference’ and ‘resilience’ emerged. It was found that 96% (<i>n</i> = 25/26) reported they would like to do more gymnastics, 88% (<i>n</i> = 23/26) reported positive feelings during gymnastics, and 65% (<i>n</i> = 17/26) expressed concerns such as feeling tired or hot. Twenty-three adults participated in a focus group. Key themes included the positive impact the program delivery had on the children’s participation; and the positive impact on coaches, students, and teacher’s disability attitudes and knowledge. <i>Conclusions</i>: This gymnastics program was well-liked by children with a disability. To optimise participation, promoting individual choice and control may be of benefit. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-7272 |