The Factors that Affect Social Acceptance of Students with Disabilities in Physical Education

Abstract

Students with disabilities are not often the target participants for sports or most athletic students in physical education (PE) classes. Because of this and other social differences, students with disabilities are rarely socially accepted by their teachers or peers in PE class. Students with disabilities are more likely to be bullied than their counterparts and have to jump through many barriers to experience a truly inclusive environment in physical education. In order for students with disabilities to be successful and included in the sport and PE environment, teachers must make appropriate modifications and accommodations to each lesson and activity, as well as learn their students, listen to their students, and create an environment where all students are included and can be accepted. Less emphasis should be put on athletic abilities and more on working together, being active, and doing your best. The purpose of this synthesis was to review the literature on the social acceptance of students with disabilities in physical education.