Exploring the Experiences of Kinesiology Undergraduate Students in sports-Based Disability Simulations

Framed in experiential learning theory, this study aimed to examine the experience of kinesiology undergraduate students in sport-based disability simulations (SBDS). The SBDS consisted of three sports: wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and goalball. The participants in this study consisted of 33 undergraduate kinesiology students (13 females, 20 males) enrolled in an adapted physical activity course at a university in the South of the United States. Data were collected from focus-group interviews, reflection papers, and field notes. Open and axial coding were employed to analyze the data. Data analysis resulted in two overarching themes, with the second theme further elaborated through three interconnected subthemes. Theme 1: “I thought it would be just easy and boring, but I was wrong” which reflects participants’ initial underestimation of the physical and competitive demands of disability sports. Theme 2: Attitudinal and professional transformation, which captures the participants’ evolving perspectives, emotional insights, and professional outlooks resulting from their participation in sport-based disability simulations. Theme 2 comprises the following subthemes: (a) Eye-opening realizations and emerging curiosity about people with disabilities, (b) Changes in outlook toward people with disabilities, and (c) Increased self-awareness, gratitude, and professional growth. The results provided evidence that the participants had a positive experience in SBDS, feeling intrigued and enlightened.