Date of Thesis

Spring 2024

Description

This qualitative study utilized thematic analysis of six interviews with elite Para-athletes who were currently enrolled at a four-year undergraduate institution and were actively competing or training in any Para-sport to understand inclusion of Para-athletes within the NCAA. This investigatory research sought to identify barriers present in the NCAA’s structure and advocate for positive change as more Para-athletes desire to access collegiate athletic resources due to increasingly higher standards of performance within Para-sport. Para-athletes discussed five key themes during interviews; “Disability Mindset” or the way athletes conceptualized their presence within the athletic environment; sources of education available to athletics staff or departments about Para-athletes; inclusion of Para-athletes; exclusion of Para-athletes; and, ableism experienced by Para-athletes. This study found a lack of proper education surrounding Para-athletes, lack of equitable treatment between able-bodied and Para-athletes in post-secondary athletics and little enforcement by the NCAA to ensure inclusion, with discretion being given to institutions’ athletic departments.

Keywords

paralympics, athletics, disability, college sports, adapted sports, NCAA

Access Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Education

Second Major

Psychology

Minor, Emphasis, or Concentration

History

First Advisor

Amy Golightly

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