Assistive Technology to Promote Participation in Sport for People with Disabilities.

UNLABELLED: Participation in sports is identified in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a fundamental right and is facilitated by the use of specialized Assistive Products (AP). However, little is known about the role everyday AP plays in promoting sport participation.

PURPOSE: This study explores how the 50 priority APs on the World Health Organization's Assistive Products List can promote participation in sports.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We used an online survey with AP-users, caregivers, and coaches (n=96). Subsequently, we performed a thematic analysis for qualitative responses describing the use of APs in facilitating sport participation.

RESULTS

Our results suggest everyday APs are required for sport participation for persons with disabilities. We present a conceptual model of AP use for sport participation. We found people with disability participate in a range of sports, contributing to community engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Access to everyday APs is integral to achieving the rights of persons with disabilities for participation in sport.