Exploring the Sport Experiences of Youth with Physical Disabilities Through the Lens of Positive Youth Development

Research has explored the benefits and challenges associated sport participation among youth with physical disabilities (YWPD), however few studies have attempted to understand how sport participation may facilitate and/or hinder positive development among YWPD. Positive youth development (PYD) is an approach used to understand youth development through sport, however limited research exists among YWPD. To address this gap, the current study explored the experiences of YWPD through a PYD lens to uncover the developmental outcomes associated with organized sport participation and identify factors influencing these outcomes. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with YWPD (n=9, ages 14-21). YWPD experienced both positive and negative outcomes across physical, social, and personal domains, which were largely influenced by their social environment. These findings begin to shed light on the utility of organized sport as a context to promote positive development among YWPD and may help inform how sport programs can work toward achieving this.