From rugby to basketball: a comparative analysis on the implementation of mixed ability

Introduction People with disabilities continued to face numerous barriers to participation in mainstream sports clubs. In this regard, the Mixed Ability (MA) model emerged as a response to the limited availability of inclusive opportunities that enabled involvement in these contexts and, consequently, the exercise of individual rights. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the application of the MA model in basketball and to compare it with rugby, a discipline with a more consolidated trajectory in this field. Furthermore, it sought to assess how participation influenced the perception of disability among the different stakeholders involved. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional design with descriptive and relational components was applied. The Q-NeMAR scale was used as the assessment instrument. In total, 123 individuals (59 men and 63 women) from basketball and 114 individuals (74 men and 39 women) from rugby participated. Results The results revealed consistently high ratings across all analysed dimensions. Significant differences were observed between sports in items related to visibility, promotion of specific plans, training, and intra- and interpersonal factors, with a more favourable perception among the rugby group. In addition, most participants reported understanding disability from a social and rights-based perspective. Discussion These findings suggested that participation in MA settings fostered a shift from assistentialist conceptions towards models of active citizenship. Overall, the results reflected a broadly positive perception of the consolidation, promotion, and sustainability of the MA model as a pathway for inclusion and sporting participation.