Coreen M. Harada

Bio: Coreen M. Harada is an academic researcher from University of Massachusetts Boston. The author has contributed to research in topics: Inclusion (education) & Athletes. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 120 citations.

The Sport Experience of Athletes With Intellectual Disabilities: A National Survey of Special Olympics Athletes and Their Families

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the sport experience for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) who participate in Special Olympics (SO). This study included a nationally representative sample of 1,307 families and 579 athletes in the U.S., focusing on sport involvement over the lifespan and motives for participating and for leaving SO. Athletes with ID are similar to athletes without disabilities in that sport is a significant life experience. They participate in sport for fun (54%) and social interaction (21%). Like athletes without disabilities, SO athletes leave sport because of changes in interest (38%) but also because of program availability (33%). These findings suggest that we continue to document the involvement of people with ID in sports and work to expand the sport opportunities available.

Promoting social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities through sport: Special Olympics International, global sport initiatives and strategies

Abstract: Little is known of sport in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, but emerging evidence suggests that it provides the same benefits as for people without disabilities. Historically, people with intellectual disabilities have been on the periphery of society, including learning in separate classrooms, and sport has served as a portal into the mainstream. Since its inception in 1968, Special Olympics has been at the forefront in providing opportunities for sport participation and has grown to serve nearly three million people with intellectual disabilities in over 180 countries. Special Olympics has been an engine of change to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be visible in society and has actively promoted their inclusion through Unified Sports and Camp Shriver programming. The value of these inclusive programmes is explored in terms of the connection they provide among and between individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families and the surroun...

Motivational correlates of physical activity in persons with an intellectual disability: a systematic literature review

Abstract: Background The purpose of this study is to systematically retrieve, examine and discuss scientific studies focusing on motivational correlates that both contribute to, and can be assumed to be effects of, participation in sport, recreation, or health-related physical activities in persons with intellectual disability (ID). Methods A systematic analysis of the literature retrieved through electronic databases and other resources was performed, covering articles published from 1980 through 2009. Inclusion criteria were based on terms referring to the participants, the psychosocial correlates and the type of activity. Results Twenty-three articles satisfied the inclusion criteria, and were divided into four categories of studies: (1) cross-sectional designs, (2) experimental prospective one-group designs, (3) longitudinal comparative intervention designs, and (4) qualitative designs. The level of quality regarding the intervention studies was assessed using four different scales, and on average they depicted a moderate level of evidence. Conclusions Both exercise and sport-related activities seem to contribute to well-being. Improved physical fitness and elevated skill level gained during exercise and sport activities appear to serve as mediators for increased perceptions of self-efficacy and social competence. Peer modelling, as well as video and audio reinforcement, appear to be important modalities in maintaining compliance to exercise programmes.

Promoting social inclusion through Unified Sports for youth with intellectual disabilities: a five‐nation study

Abstract: Background Although the promotion of social inclusion through sports has received increased attention with other disadvantaged groups, this is not the case for children and adults with intellectual disability who experience marked social isolation. The study evaluated the outcomes from one sports programme with particular reference to the processes that were perceived to enhance social inclusion. Method The Youth Unified Sports programme of Special Olympics combines players with intellectual disabilities (called athletes) and those without intellectual disabilities (called partners) of similar skill level in the same sports teams for training and competition. Alongside the development of sporting skills, the programme offers athletes a platform to socialise with peers and to take part in the life of their community. Unified football and basketball teams from five countries – Germany, Hungary, Poland, Serbia and Ukraine – participated. Individual and group interviews were held with athletes, partners, coaches, parents and community leaders: totalling around 40 informants per country. Results Qualitative data analysis identified four thematic processes that were perceived by informants across all countries and the two sports to facilitate social inclusion of athletes. These were: (1) the personal development of athletes and partners; (2) the creation of inclusive and equal bonds; (3) the promotion of positive perceptions of athletes; and (4) building alliances within local communities. Conclusions Unified Sports does provide a vehicle for promoting the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities that is theoretically credible in terms of social capital scholarship and which contains lessons for advancing social inclusion in other contexts. Nonetheless, certain limitations are identified that require further consideration to enhance athletes' social inclusion in the wider community.