‘George’s Gymnastics Program’, a Community Gymnastic Program for Children with a Disability: Perceptions of Participant Stakeholders

Natasha K. Brusco (), Jane Henderson, Clare Merison, Kelly Saber, Anita Woon, Sara L. Whittaker, Nikki Lunniss, Rachael McAleer, Maddy McMillan, Amy-Claire Wilson, Isuru Peries, Jade Correia, Alyssa Zhou, Brittany Zeler, Reka Soultanidis, Samantha O′Keefe, Tara Lake, Hysha Trinh, Madeleine Gin, Darren Luo, Jessica Patussi, Lulu Xu, Rebecca Wright and Natasha Layton
Additional contact information
Natasha K. Brusco: Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Peninsula Campus, Monash University, Level 3, Building G, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Jane Henderson: Vermont South Special School, Vermont South, VIC 3133, Australia
Clare Merison: Vermont South Special School, Vermont South, VIC 3133, Australia
Kelly Saber: Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Building B, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Anita Woon: Waverley Gymnastics Centre, Oakleigh, VIC 3166, Australia
Sara L. Whittaker: Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Peninsula Campus, Monash University, Level 3, Building G, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Nikki Lunniss: Vermont South Special School, Vermont South, VIC 3133, Australia
Rachael McAleer: Department of Rural Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
Maddy McMillan: Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Building B, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Amy-Claire Wilson: Holmesglen TAFE, 488 South Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Isuru Peries: VicHealth, Level 2/355 Spencer St., West Melbourne, VIC 3003, Australia
Jade Correia: VicHealth, Level 2/355 Spencer St., West Melbourne, VIC 3003, Australia
Alyssa Zhou: Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Building B, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Brittany Zeler: Holmesglen TAFE, 488 South Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Reka Soultanidis: Holmesglen TAFE, 488 South Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Samantha O′Keefe: Holmesglen TAFE, 488 South Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Tara Lake: Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Building B, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Hysha Trinh: Holmesglen TAFE, 488 South Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Madeleine Gin: Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Building B, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Darren Luo: Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Building B, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Jessica Patussi: Holmesglen TAFE, 488 South Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Lulu Xu: Holmesglen TAFE, 488 South Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Rebecca Wright: Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Building B, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
Natasha Layton: Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Peninsula Campus, Monash University, Level 3, Building G, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia

Disabilities, 2024, vol. 4, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: Background : The aim of this study is to understand what children with a disability like and dislike about participating in a gymnastics program, and to understand the views of the adults supporting the program. Methods : Children with a mild intellectual disability (aged 5–12) from a primary school providing special education participated in one of four gymnastics programs (1 h/week for 5 weeks) at a gymnastics centre. The program included ~25–50 children per group, with ~20 adults providing support, including gymnastics coaches, teachers, and adult students on placement. To evaluate the program, children (11–12-year-olds; n = 51) were invited to complete a written two-page reflection, and the adults were invited to participate in one of three focus groups. Results : 150 children attended one of four programs. Twenty-six 11–12-year-olds participated in the evaluation ( n = 26/51, 51%), and, from the written responses, the themes of ‘individual preference’ and ‘resilience’ emerged. It was found that 96% ( n = 25/26) reported they would like to do more gymnastics, 88% ( n = 23/26) reported positive feelings during gymnastics, and 65% ( n = 17/26) expressed concerns such as feeling tired or hot. Twenty-three adults participated in a focus group. Key themes included the positive impact the program delivery had on the children’s participation; and the positive impact on coaches, students, and teacher’s disability attitudes and knowledge. Conclusions : This gymnastics program was well-liked by children with a disability. To optimise participation, promoting individual choice and control may be of benefit.

Keywords: disability; physical activity; children; school; education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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