Adapted physical and recreational activities for the physical and emotional strengthening of children in wheelchairs

Abstract

Children in wheelchairs face barriers in Physical Education classes, making it necessary to design adapted activities to strengthen their physical and emotional development. The objective of the research was to validate a pedagogical strategy based on adapted physical and recreational activities during Physical Education classes to enhance the physical and emotional development of children with physical disabilities in General Basic Middle Education at a Fiscomisional Educational Institution in the City of Quito. A mixed-methods approach was used, including interviews, classroom observations, and surveys. The sample included one administrator, six teachers, and one student with paraplegia. The strategy was validated by four experts in inclusive education. Teachers require further training in inclusive strategies, and there is a lack of resources and adaptations in Physical Education. The expert validation confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed pedagogical strategy, leading to the design of adapted physical-recreational activities to improve the participation of children in wheelchairs in Physical Education. It is concluded that adapted recreational activities foster the physical and emotional development of children with disabilities; the validated strategy promotes inclusion and equitable participation in Physical Education, highlighting the need for teacher training and adequate resources.