A Multiphased Integrated Knowledge Translation Approach to Foster Quality Participation in Recreational Sport Programs for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

For children with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), meaningful inclusion in recreational sport can lead to many physical and psychosocial benefits. Investigators have begun to explore how recreational sport programs should be designed, implemented, and evaluated to promote these valued outcomes. Despite advancements in adapted sport research, sport program leaders are not always equipped with the strategies and tools to meet the participation needs and priorities of children with IDD. Our team partnered with management at Special Olympics Canada to encourage evidence-based sport program leadership and programming across Canada for young athletes with IDD. We employed a multiphased integrated knowledge translation approach to mobilize quality participation evidence through practical tools for sport program leaders. By elucidating our process, we aim to inspire future initiatives geared toward translating knowledge into action in the adapted sport context for young athletes with IDD across Canada and beyond.