The Value of Occupational Therapy in Designing Accessible and Inclusive Sports Programs

This capstone project focuses on promoting inclusive and accessible sports opportunities for children with disabilities through the development of two resources: a youth baseball implementation manual and an after-school program planning resource, both utilizing an occupational therapy design. Existing literature indicates a strong benefit for children with disabilities to participate in inclusive programing, including fostering social inclusion, increasing self-confidence, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Despite these benefits, many communities still lack access to such programs. Costs, accessibility, and staff training significantly impact the successful implementation and sustainability of these programs, as limited funding, lack of inclusive design, and insufficient staff training and education can create barriers to equitable participation and opportunities. Many programs currently available use implementation manuals that contain outdated and inappropriate language. This project aims to expand the availability of free, updated resources on inclusive sports, ultimately promoting the development of more accessible and inclusive programs for all athletes.