An exploration of experiences in disability sports and mainstream sports environments for adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities

Little is known about the experiences of adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities participating in mainstream sport and disability sport environments. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities who participated in mainstream and disability sport during their adolescent and young adult years. Further, this study aimed to compare and contrast the experiences gained between these differing sports environments. Participants (N=9, 8 Female, 1 Male, Mean Age: 25.22years) were recruited through email and word of mouth through snowball sampling. All participants completed two semi-structured interview protocol with the second interview including photo voice. Additionally, note taking and observations were made by the interviewer in order to gather an even more rich depth of data. Data analyses was framed through the theories of Symbolic Interactionism (SI) and Social Comparison Theory (SCT). Through coding by two trained qualitative researchers with experience in both sport and disability, seven themes emerged along with several subthemes. These themes included environmental consideration specifically related to mainstream sport, integrated disability sport, and disability sport, competition versus recreation, support of sport participation, socialization in sport, the meaning of sport experience, advocacy through sport, and athlete identity