The Impact of Disability Sports Awareness Activity on Attitudes: Perspectives of University Students

The present study aims to examine the impact of the Disability Sports Awareness Activity (DSAA) on university students. The design of the research model resided on a qualitative research method. A total of 33 students (15 female, 18 male) participated in the study, including 19 players and 14 spectators in DSAA and holding focus group interviews among the participants. The study analyses revealed the following four themes: (a) development of attitudes through increased awareness, (b) ableist language hidden behind empathy, (c) career planning, and (d) entertainment. Consequently, it was found that engagement in awareness-raising activities through participation in the Disability Sports Awareness Activities (DSAA) markedly contributed to the development of university students’ attitudes and awareness skills toward individuals with disabilities, as well as to their career planning. On the other hand, the continued use of ableist language is one of our findings. The DSAA-type awareness activities can be considered to have the potential to serve as a successful and enjoyable strategy for university students to enhance their attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, improve their cognitive skills, and support their career development.