Sporting opportunities for people with physical disabilities: Mixed methods study of web-based searches and sport provider interviews

Issue addressed To assess web-based information about sport opportunities for people with physical disabilities and to explore barriers and potential solutions to offering such opportunities from the perspective of sporting organisations. Methods A mixed method study was conducted in 2 stages focusing on 26 high-participation sports. Stage One involved conducting web-based searches of sporting organisations at national (Australia), state (NSW) and local club levels and auditing the websites to identify the mention of sport opportunities for people with disabilities. Stage Two involved conducting semi-structured phone interviews with 25 sport providers identified from Stage One to discuss barriers and potential solutions to providing these opportunities. Data from interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results Across 26 sports, 138 organisations (43 national, 33 states, 62 local clubs) were identified. Information about sport opportunities for people with disabilities decreased from national (86% of websites mentioned such opportunities) to state (76%) to club (37%) level. Barriers identified included funding, awareness, lack of coordination between organisations and people's attitudes. Potential solutions included fostering working partnerships and increasing understanding. Conclusion Greater awareness within sporting organisations of the role of sport for people with disabilities is needed. Finding information on what disability sport opportunities are available particularly at a local participation level is currently challenging. So what? Organisations need to work in partnership within and between sports and with other sectors to provide accessible information and appropriate opportunities. This should be supported by government policy and funding and informed by the needs of people with disabilities.