Imagine being a child who dreads participating in physical education because you feel left out or misunderstood. For many disabled children, this is a daily reality.
Scott McNamara, an assistant professor of kinesiology, hopes to tackle this issue with his latest research project. Recently awarded a $50,000 Small Research Grant from the Spencer Foundation, McNamara aims to improve physical education experiences for disabled children.
McNamara’s research will include interviews with 15 school administrators and 15 physical educators in the New England region to learn how they understand and implement inclusion for disabled children in physical education settings.
While there are laws mandating access to adapted physical education, past research has shown these services are often marginalized in schools, leading to negative experiences for disabled children in physical education settings.
These negative experiences are particularly concerning given the significant health challenges faced by disabled children. Research shows that approximately 35 percent of disabled children are overweight or obese, often accompanied by other physiological and psychological health issues.
Physical education is crucial for disabled children, offering them the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills for regular physical activity. This can lead to numerous well-documented benefits, including increased muscular strength and endurance, improved flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, longer lifespans, and reduced obesity rates.
McNamara's research will examine how educators and administrators approach inclusion in physical education. By understanding current perspectives and practices, the research seeks to create more effective and inclusive physical education experiences that can benefit the health and well-being of disabled children.
Spencer Foundation grants are highly competitive and awarded to projects that improve education. In 2023, 1,245 Small Research Grant submissions were received, and 60 were awarded, an acceptance rate of 4.8 percent.
“I am humbled and honored to be doing this work. I believe that physical activity and access to it should be viewed as a civil right, McNamara says. “I am hopeful that this work will contribute to a more equitable experience for disabled children in physical activity settings.”
