The Effects of Adaptive Wheelchair Basketball Program on Quality of Life (POSTER SESSION)

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

mobility, mounting, seating & positioning

Format:

poster session

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist

consultant

educator
family member / caregiver
healthcare administration
K-12 administration
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist

university professor / personnel
vision impairment specialist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.002 CEUs

ACVREP CEs:

.02 CEUs

Presentation Length: poster

Location:

TBD

Description:

The purpose of this pilot program is to determine the impact active participation in a weekend adaptive sports program has on the quality of life (QoL) for individuals with physical disabilities who have transitioned out of the educational system. It measured the impact engagement in an adapted sports program has on physical health, emotional well-being, self-esteem, occupational identity, social interaction, sense of belonging, and participation in meaningful activities. Alumni from a state-supported school for children with physical disabilities participated in a weekend based adaptive wheelchair basketball program. Data was obtained from needs assessment survey, attendance records, and a post-outcome evaluation. Overall, the pilot program evaluation was favorable in all areas, and reinforced the benefits of the program. The results of indicated participation in the weekend program had a positive influence on QoL. It also found that the program met the needs of the participants along with addressing the barriers to participation. Program evaluation reinforces the necessity for establishing similar programs to meet the needs of the community and identifies the role Occupational Therapy has in the development of programs that address barriers of participation for persons with disabilities.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the barriers and facilitators of participation in adapted sports.

• Summarize the steps in implementation of an adapted sports program for persons with physical disabilities.

• Discuss the benefits of participation in an adapted sports program for individuals with physical disabilities.

Disclosures:

Staff OT at the Henry Viscardi School