Swimming for Children with disability (Karen Graham)

Swimming for Children with disability: experiences of rehabilitation and swimming professionals in Australia. Karen Graham, Katarina Ostojic, Leanne Johnston ,Iain Dutia, Elizabeth Barnes-Keoghan and Georgina L. Clutterbuck Abstract Background Swimming is a common goal for children with disability, and the most popular sport for children in Australia. This study explored swimming and rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions of swimming for Australian children with disability. Methods Rehabilitation and swimming professionals with recent experience working with children with disability completed an online survey. Quantitative data: Binary and Likert-scale questions were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data: Open-ended questions were evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis and mapped to the family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC). Results 91 swimming professionals and 55 rehabilitation professionals ($n = 146$) responded. Confidence vs. Knowledge: Most were confident supporting children with disability with swimming goals (rehabilitation = 71.6%, swimming = 73.8%). Most had neutral to very low knowledge of para-swimming eligibility and classification (rehabilitation = 75%, swimming = 77.7%). Themes Identified: 10 themes (33 code groups) covering all core elements of the fPRC were identified. Barriers & Facilitators: Included pool accessibility (physical and sensory), program availability, affordability, acceptability (of content and culture), and having accommodating professionals and programs. Program Goals: Professionals believed swimming programs should develop children’s confidence, water safety, swimming skills, and fitness. Conclusion Rehabilitation and swimming professionals should review existing programs to ensure they meet the needs of children with disability. Further research is needed to create an action plan to improve swimming participation for Australian children with disability. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/11/1633