Improving Communication of Information About Physical Activity Opportunities for People With Disabilities.

One significant barrier to physical activity (PA) for people with disabilities is the lack of access to PA information. The purpose of this study was to explore how access to PA information can be improved for people with disabilities, their carers, and PA-session facilitators. To investigate the flow of PA information within a communication network, principles derived from knowledge translation were used: information audiences, messengers, methods, and effectiveness. Participants included 48 people with disabilities (34 male and 14 female; mean age 30 years), 34 carers, and 12 session facilitators. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results show how communication of PA information can be improved by indicating practical value in understanding individual motivations to PA participation, including credible messengers, using multiple delivery methods, and expanding information networks. Future steps are offered, including practical implications resulting from this study to improve PA information flow within a network.

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

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.