Swimming for Children with Disability: Experiences of Rehabilitation and Swimming Professionals in Australia

Abstract

Background: Swimming is a common goal for children with disability, and the most popular sport for children in Australia. This study explored swimming and rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions of swimming for Australian children with disability. Methods: Rehabilitation and swimming professionals with recent experience working with children with disability completed an online survey. Quantitative data from binary and Likert-scale questions were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data from open-ended questions was evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis and mapped to the family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC). Results: Ninety-one swimming and 55 rehabilitation professionals (n = 146) responded. Most were confident supporting children with disability with swimming goals (rehabilitation = 71.6%, swimming = 73.8%) but had neutral–very low knowledge of para-swimming eligibility and classification (rehabilitation = 75%, swimming = 77.7%). Ten themes (33 code groups) covering all core elements of the fPRC were identified. Barriers/facilitators included pool accessibility (physical and sensory); program availability; affordability; acceptability (of content and culture); and having accommodating professionals and programs. Professionals believed that swimming programs should develop children’s confidence, water-safety, swimming skills, and fitness. Conclusion: Rehabilitation and swimming professionals should review existing programs to ensure they meet the needs of children with disability. Further research is needed to create an action plan to improve swimming participation for Australian children with disability.