Improving Perceptions of Individuals With Disabilities Through a Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

A Quantitative Analysis

Authors

  • Anthony Rosselli North Carolina State University
  • Elizabeth Wachira Texas A&M University–Commerce
  • Steve Prewitt Texas A&M University–Commerce
  • Samantha Roberts Texas A&M University–Commerce
  • Dean Culpepper Texas A&M University–Commerce
  • Clay Bolton LaGrange College
  • Matthew Mackenzie Texas A&M University–Commerce

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2023-V80-I1-11157

Keywords:

disability, wheelchair, perceptions

Abstract

An annual wheelchair basketball tournament at a mid-sized university in the southwestern U.S. serves two purposes: first, to raise awareness of individuals with disabilities (IWD) and second, to raise funds for a local Special Olympics event. The purpose of this study was to examine whether participation in or spectating of this event had an impact on the perceptions toward IWD and athletes with disabilities (AWD). Participants in this study (N = 255) completed a survey containing the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons, Form O (ATDPO) survey as well as a modified version of the ATDP (including wording for athletes). There was a positive correlation between attitudes toward IWD and AWD, Pearson’s r(255) = .441, p < .001. Furthermore, the overall mean for the ATDPO (M = 75.31, SD = 16.19), t(254) = 15.10, p < .001, d = .95, and Athlete version overall mean (M = 45, SD = 8.31), t(254) = 28.84, p < .001, d = 1.81, were significantly higher than the midpoints of each scale (higher than the midpoint reflecting more positive views toward IWD, and lower that the midpoint reflecting less positive views). Finally, females had significantly more positive attitudes toward both IWD and AWD than males. This study supports research that demonstrates females show more positive attitudes toward IWD. However, watching or participating in the wheelchair basketball tournament did not affect these attitudes toward IWD or AWD. Implications and limitations are also provided.

Author Biographies

Anthony Rosselli, North Carolina State University

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management

Elizabeth Wachira, Texas A&M University–Commerce

Department of Health and Human Performance

Steve Prewitt, Texas A&M University–Commerce

Department of Health and Human Performance

Samantha Roberts, Texas A&M University–Commerce

Department of Health and Human Performance

Dean Culpepper, Texas A&M University–Commerce

Department of Health and Human Performance

Clay Bolton, LaGrange College

Department of Business

Matthew Mackenzie, Texas A&M University–Commerce

Department of Health and Human Performance

Published

2023-01-05

Issue

Section

Articles