Grade level differences in students' attitudes towards inclusion a peer with visual impairment in physical and sports education lessons

Abstract The objective of the study was to identify and compare differences in the attitudes of non-disabled students towards the inclusion of a peer with a visual impairment in physical and sport education (PSE) classes. The research sample comprised a total of 419 primary school students of the 6th grade ( n = 96; 11.7 ± 0.54 years) 7th grade ( n = 120; 12.7 ± 0.57 years), 8th grade ( n = 109; 13.7 ± 0.55 years), and 9th grade ( n = 94; 14.6 ± 0.52 years) level. A modified version of a CAIPE-R was used as a primary research method. Students of the 6th, 7th and 8th grades have more positive attitudes towards the inclusion of a peer with visual impairment in PSE lessons compared to the 9th grade students in social interactions area as well as in rules modifications area. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grades student groups showed significantly more positive social interaction attitudes compared to sport-specific attitudes. No significant differences were found between social interactions and sport-specific attitudes in the group of the 9th grade primary school students. Regarding the most appropriate solutions for the inclusion of students with visual impairment in PSE lessons, more information on attitudes towards inclusion is also needed from teachers and school management.