Discourse in Sport & Disability has advanced significantly compared to other areas in Sport & Development. Many experts in the area of sport and disability have developed a consensus on the future priorities for research, policy development and advocacy in this area.
These priorities include:
- Increase support and funding to conduct empirical studies on topics of disability sport and adapted physical activity in developing countries including, participation levels, attitudes, legislation, barriers and benefits of sport and physical activity
- Develop further studies of mental health and psychological well-being as an outcome of sport participation for people with a disability
- Create affordable technologies, and increasing accessibility and universal designs in both the environment and the structures/rules of sports
- Produce inclusive coaching manuals and educational material in multiple languages and formats to make it accessible to developing countries
- Research and develop monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure quality sport programmes are being implemented effectively and meeting target outcomes
- Explore qualitative research into disability sport participation in developing countries such as case studies in specific countries and regions, necessary in order to direct and consolidate development efforts
- Create opportunities to share knowledge, experiences and best practice
- Utilise new technologies and online communication to enhance collaboration between development organisations, researchers and programme staff
- Widely promote the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to policy-makers in developing countries and lobby for national policy developments to improve access to sporting opportunities for people with a disability
