The purpose of this chapter is to examine research on disability sport coaching. Many athletes with disabilities receive no or very minimal coaching, although elite athletes (e.g., Paralympians) from wealthy countries usually have the benefit of good coaching during the Paralympics and at national training camps. The chapter first documents the history of coaching in disability sport and notes some negative outcomes of self-coaching. Coaches’ attitudes toward disability sport are addressed, which are mostly positive but colored by inexperience, a lack of knowledge about disability conditions, and how various impairments influence sport performance. Coaches face various challenges, such as trying to understand when impairments hamper training or when inadequate training might be the result of fatigue, lack of skill or knowledge, or lack of effort. Positive athlete outcomes stemming from effective coaching are discussed. such as reduced anxiety and enhanced confidence. Finally, effective disability sport coaching practices are reviewed.
DISABILITY AWARENESS PROGRAM IN A SUMMER CAMP