Abstract
In Health and Human Performance, an overarching objective is to address the obstacles that restrict physical activity in daily lifestyles. At Fort Hays, we are dedicated to expanding community inclusion and reaching diverse populations, promoting our commitment to diversity and inclusion excellence.
Mission Statement:
Empowering Community Through Inclusive Movement
Vision Statement:
Our adaptive sports and fitness night cultivates community engagement, builds relationships, fosters motor and skill development, and promotes health and well-being for individuals of all abilities.
A recent systematic review found that only 9% of adults with ID meet the minimum requirement of 150 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week” (Pochstein, 2022). Hosting a sport and fitness night for the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community serves as a powerful platform for mutual benefit and positive relationships between the IDD community and college athletes/organizations. Providing access to sports and fitness opportunities encourages individuals to adopt and maintain active lifestyles beyond the event itself. This promotes long-term health and well-being, empowering individuals with IDD.
Furthermore, college athletes and organizations benefit from meaningful engagement with the IDD community, gaining valuable experiences in diversity and inclusion. These events serve as educational platforms, promoting awareness and understanding of disabilities in the global society. Research by Lie et al. (2014) showed that experience and interaction with diverse populations showed improved respect and professionalism toward the IDD community. Li et al. found that experiences were the best method: “…course-based intervention programs improved university students’ attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities.”
Most importantly, Hays and surrounding communities are home to a large community of individuals with IDD who are active participants and supporters of all things Fort Hays State. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, social inclusion is found to have the largest influence on quality of life (Morisse et al., 2013). We want to reciprocate the same support that the IDD community gives to FHSU and to provide more opportunities for the IDD, including welcoming them to campus and our campus activities.
It is our hope that through this event, we will continue to bring awareness to the importance of including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every aspect of our lives with our community.
Faculty Advisor
Drew Gannon
Department/Program
Health and Human Performance
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-10-2024
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Clary, Kendra and Gannon, Drew
(2024)
"Adaptive Sports and Fitness Night,"
SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days: Vol. 2024, Article 40.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2024/iss2024/40
Included in
Kinesiology Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons