Abstract:
One major goal of Physical Education is to provide opportunity for the youth to
acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong engagement in
healthful physical activities. Everyone must have the opportunity to participate in
physical education and special reference must be given to pupils with disabilities in
special schools who deserve the right to a sound physical education experience as part
of their fundamental human rights. This study, therefore, examined factors
influencing the participation of children with disabilities in physical activities and
sports. A convergent mixed methods research design was used to collect both
quantitative and qualitative data from 194 students from three public special schools
in Cape Coast Metropolitan in Central Region. The students were selected through
purposive sampling technique. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect
data from the participants. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, and
themes. The findings of the study revealed among others that, inadequate of disability
user-friendly sporting facilities and equipment, and financial constraints were the
major challenges. It is, therefore, recommended among others that, the Cape Coast
Metropolitan Education Directorate in-charge of special education should prioritize
physical education at special schools by providing disability user-friendly sporting
facilities and equipment; means of transportation to assist students’ athletes and also
educate and sensitize students with disabilities the relevance of their participation in
physical activities and sports.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and
Sports, Faculty of Educational Studies,
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Physical Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
