Promoting Inclusive Sport and Leisure Participation: Evaluation of the Paralympic Day in the Schools Model
A field study was conducted to evaluate Paralympic Day in the Schools, a school-based visiting consultant model designed to encourage inclusive participation in sport and leisure. Information was sought relative to selected behaviors of respondents and perceptions of inclusive sport and leisure. Middle and high school respondents with and without disabilities (n = 704) were more alike than different relative to demographic and psychosocial variables. A commitment to sport and leisure was reported, and few participation constraints were noted. Respondents with disabilities, however, were less likely to agree that it was important for them to participate in these activities with their peers without disabilities (t=2.09, p < .05). Whereas the model demonstrated potential for facilitating inclusive participation, a lack of positive attitudinal change may be explained by the specific structure, leadership, and social context of the program.