Recommendations to Promote Accessibility in Rowing for Athletes who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Authors

  • Jason Rich Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Lauren J. Lieberman SUNY Brockport
  • Wendy Gutcher Rochester Institute of Technology

Keywords:

Inclusion, feedback, sign language, coxswain, coach

Abstract

Participation on any level of the sport of rowing provides rowers with physical, psychological, and social benefits. The unique demands of the sport allow it to be accessible for athletes who are Deaf or hard of hearing (D/HOH). Inclusive participation in rowing allows rowers who are D/HOH to experience similar benefits to their teammates who hear. However, to achieve an inclusive team environment, coaches, coxswains, and teammates need to understand and accommodate the communication needs of rowers who are D/HOH. Many of these accommodations stem from collaborating on the timing and medium of feedback and instruction, how best to utilize an interpreter, and the creation of one-handed signals to be used on the water. The purpose of this article is to outline the needs of rowers who are D/HOH, the benefits of promoting accessibility and inclusion for these athletes, and provide recommendations and strategies for coaches, coxswains, and teammates to facilitate that accessibility and inclusion in and out of the boat.

Published

2023-03-20

Issue

Section

Feature Articles