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A lack of disability-specific knowledge among practitioners poses a significant barrier to physical activity (PA) participation for persons with physical disabilities (PWPDs). This study aimed to identify perceived training needs of health and fitness practitioners to support PA for PWPDs. Canadian health and fitness practitioners (n = 115; 81% female) completed an online survey. More specialized training and access to information about PA for PWPDs are needed. In-person training, webinars, and lived experiences of PWPDs are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents of children and youth with disabilities (CYD) have expressed unique physical activity (PA) information needs. Community-based organizations (CBOs) require assistance to meet these needs. Guided by the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II, this project established evidence-informed recommendations for developing PA information targeting families of CYD. This process involved a systematic scoping review to inform draft recommendations (k = 23), which were revised via a consensus meeting with researchers, knowledge users from CBOs, and families of CYD. Broader consultation with CBO knowledge users informed the final recommendations (k = 5) that fit within the following categories: (a) language and definitions, (b) program information, (c) benefits of PA, (d) barriers to PA, and (e) PA ideas and self-regulation tools. CBOs are encouraged to consider these recommendations when developing PA information for families of CYD. Future research will focus on the development of knowledge products to disseminate the recommendations to CBOs and support implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a tool to track participation in activity-based therapy (ABT) for people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) was identified as a priority of the Canadian ABT Community of Practice. The objective of this study was to understand multi-stakeholder perspectives on tracking ABT participation across the continuum of care. Forty-eight individuals from six stakeholder groups (persons living with SCI/D; hospital therapists; community trainers; administrators; researchers; and funders, advocates and policy experts) were recruited to participate in focus group interviews. Participants were asked open-ended questions concerning the importance of and parameters around tracking ABT. Transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Themes reflected the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of tracking ABT. Participants described the importance of involving hospital therapists, community trainers and individuals with SCI/D in tracking ABT to capture both subjective and objective parameters across the continuum of care and injury trajectory. Digital tracking tools were favoured, although paper-based versions were regarded as a necessity in some circumstances. Findings highlighted the importance of tracking ABT participation for individuals with SCI/D. The information may guide the development of ABT practice guidelines and support the implementation of ABT in Canada. Tracking the details of activity-based therapy (ABT) sessions and programs across the continuum of care and injury trajectory may provide important information to support the development of ABT practice guidelines and implementation strategies. Tracking objective and subjective parameters are needed to provide a comprehensive description of an ABT session and program. Clinicians and individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) should both be able to track ABT to accommodate all settings and types of data. Digital tracking tools, such as an app, may provide an accessible, versatile and efficient way of tracking ABT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nDisabled children and their families are often excluded from community play opportunities, including playgrounds. One potential solution is inclusive playgrounds. This study explores the experiences of parents of disabled and non-disabled children at playgrounds inspired by Principles of Universal Design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 parents (16 parents of disabled children) located across four Canadian cities with newly built inclusively designed playgrounds. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified, providing opportunities for critical understandings of ableism in community play spaces and the impact on children and their families: (i) inclusive playgrounds as a platform for disability advocacy; (ii) opportunities for social and emotional development; and (iii) inclusive play may influence family dynamics. Findings highlight the value of universal design, but indicate that physical environments alone do not ensure social inclusion, as social barriers can continue to exist even in spaces purposefully designed for disability inclusion. Points of interestDisabled children are often excluded from playing at playgrounds due to design limitations, but one solution may include building playgrounds informed by the Principles of Universal Design.Playgrounds designed for disability inclusion provide many benefits, such as opportunities to champion disability advocacy, support disabled children in developing critical social skills, and bringing play into the lives of families with disabilities.Playgrounds designed for disability inclusion are a starting point to reducing physical barriers for disabled people but additional work and resources are needed to achieve full social inclusivity.Findings can help guide designs of future playgrounds and other community spaces to improve inclusivity of people of all abilities.Disabled children are often excluded from playing at playgrounds due to design limitations, but one solution may include building playgrounds informed by the Principles of Universal Design.Playgrounds designed for disability inclusion provide many benefits, such as opportunities to champion disability advocacy, support disabled children in developing critical social skills, and bringing play into the lives of families with disabilities.Playgrounds designed for disability inclusion are a starting point to reducing physical barriers for disabled people but additional work and resources are needed to achieve full social inclusivity.Findings can help guide designs of future playgrounds and other community spaces to improve inclusivity of people of all abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]