Changing attitudes towards disability: Design of an awareness program in physical education

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, 15% of the population copes with some type of disability. In Spain, more than one hundred and seventy thousand students with special educational needs are enrolled in ordinary educational centers. However, disability awareness programs that have been adequately validated and published in scientific journals are scarce. This work presents the design and the validation by critical judgment of experts of an Educational Program of Awareness towards People with Disabilities (eight sessions, 50 minutes per session). This Program consists of using sports and physical activity as a tool along with four different techniques: providing information about various disabilities, arranging direct and indirect contact with people with disabilities, incorporating simulations of various disabilities, and finally conducting group discussions. The quantitative and qualitative results issued by experts confirm the validity of the Program. The Program is a practical, simple and effective resource both for training and for the daily practice of Physical Education teachers who want to be part of a more transformative and inclusive teaching approach.