Experiences of Leaders and Coaches Involved in Adaptive Organized Community Sports Programs

Date of Award

5-9-2026

Degree Name

Ed.S. in School Psychology

Department

Department of Counselor Education and Human Services

Advisor/Chair

Elana Bernstein

Abstract

Adaptive organized community sports (AOCS) programs are community-based sport programs that adapt mainstream sports to support safe, inclusive participation for students with disabilities (SWD). AOCS programs rely heavily on their leaders’ and coaches’ devotion in order to exist and operate. This multi-case qualitative study explored the experiences of six adult participants (three leaders and three coaches) from Midwestern AOCS programs (adaptive soccer, baseball, and basketball). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and anecdotal observations conducted during practices or games. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis, with observational field notes used to supplement emerging themes. Four themes emerged: Community and Volunteerism, Diversification of Needs Requiring Flexibility and Adaptability, Challenges Unique to Leaders, and Enjoyment and Fulfillment, along with several subthemes. Results showed that AOCS programs are community-anchored, relationship-centered environments that explant sport access for SWD. This study expands the existing literature by providing leaders’ and coaches’ perspectives on the ways that AOCS programs have contributed to their personal growth, enhanced their sense of fulfillment, and strengthened community outreach and awareness of community-based sports for SWD.

Keywords

Health

Comments

OCLC No. 1578104997

Rights Statement

Copyright 2026, author.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS
 
 
 

Links