The study aims to understand the ableism facing the presence of disabled students in physical education (PE) classes. Through a case study with an exploratory qualitative design, we captured the inclusion (or lack thereof) of disabled students through the perspectives of three PE teachers who participated in this study over one school year. The teachers completed a weekly reflective journal with field notes, and participated in two focus group interviews, which were assessed using the content analysis technique. The PE classes were immersed in ableism, which translates into a body-focused process of normalisation. Our findings underscore the difficulty encountered in the inclusion of disabled students because it is considered a counterpoint to what is believed to be PE. A comprehensive change in perspectives regarding the understanding of disability and normativity is required.

Inclusion is a subjective experience related to sense of belonging and acceptance. In this way, the specific nature of a disability can have particular implications on the obstacles one experiences in physical education. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the experiences of students with visual impairments in physical education classes in Brazil from an individual and subjective perspective. Eight students with visual impairments (five female students and three male students) between 13 and 18 years participated in the study. Interviews, which utilized a semi-structured interview guide, were used to obtain important information from the students. Interview transcripts were analyzed by the content analysis technique. Results revealed two main themes: (1) participation and (2) social interaction. Exclusion from physical education activities was omnipresent among the experiences of students with visual impairments. Physical education teachers did not recognize physical education classes as a place for student with visual impairments.

Teachers in physical education (PE) classes continue to face problems promoting effective participation of students with disabilities. To better comprehend these issues, we need to advance discussions on PE programming and curricula, as well as the values about ability and performance that are communicated through these mediums. Difficulties with inclusion in this specific educational context are associated with more than simply a lack of adaptations in activities, but with values embedded in practices associated with disability. The purpose of this study was to analyse the inclusion of students with physical disabilities in PE classes through a cultural analysis of curriculum, disability and PE. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews and reflective field notes. Seven students with physical disabilities enrolled in different schools in urban regions of a Brazilian city participated in this study. The interviews were examined through content analysis technique by two researchers, with categorisation into thematic categories. Findings include enacted values of sports practices where performance and ability are prioritised. A lack of participation was associated with curricular choices and values presented by PE teachers. The effectiveness of the inclusion process in PE class is discussed.

Background: Meeting daily guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration is associated with a host of health indicators for youth. In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated the associations between adherence to the movement guidelines and health-related outcomes among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Parents of youth with ASD (10–17 years) from seven countries and regions were invited to provide online proxy-reports for child’s movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sleep and screen time), and health-related outcomes (i.e., body mass index [BMI], general health, and quality of life). A series of multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between meeting movement guidelines and health-related outcomes, adjusted for covariates. Results: The final sample consisted of 1165 youth with ASD. Compared with youth meeting all three guidelines, a higher BMI z-score was observed in those who met no guidelines (B = 0.62, P = 0.04), “sedentary time only” (B = 0.60, P = 0.047), and “physical activity plus sleep only” (B = 0.85, P = 0.04). Compared with meeting all three guidelines, meeting no guidelines was associated with poorer general health (B = − 0.46, P = 0.02). Further, compared with youth meeting all three guidelines, a lower quality of life score was observed in those who met no guidelines (B = − 0.47, P = 0.02) and “physical activity only” (B = − 0.62, P = 0.03). Lastly, there were dose–response associations between the number of guidelines met and all three health-related outcomes (all P_trend < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, meeting more 24-h movement guidelines was generally associated with more favorable health-related outcomes in youth with ASD. The low level of adherence to all three guidelines (2.0%) suggests the urgent need to promote the adoption of all the guidelines in this group.

Students with disabilities have described issues related to participating in activities during physical education (PE) classes with feelings of being excluded. This study investigates the inclusive process of the Deaf or hard of hearing students in school from the specific context of PE class. Qualitative research using semi-structured face to face interviews were utilised with a convenience sample of seven Deaf or Hard of hearing students. All interviews were conducted on a dialogue with assistance of a professional sign language interpreter. The results were analysed through Delucca’s theoretical framework on inclusion. Thematic analysis revealed two major categories, (1) I don’t understand and (2) Feeling invisible. These categories exposed the difficulties of the inclusive PE class environment on Deaf and hard of hearing students. Students expressed difficulties understanding the PE activities and sports proposed during classes. Sign language or other strategies to communicate were not part of teachers support system for instruction, nor did the teachers interact with the Deaf students or their interpreters. All social interactions of the Deaf children were limited to the sign language interpreter. PE classes were recognised by Deaf and hard of hearing students as a place of non-acceptance and indifference.

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar o conceito de inclusão dos professores de Educação Física e determinar os aspectos positivos e negativos em suas aulas. Foram realizadas entrevistas com 18 professores de Educação Física que trabalham em escolas públicas brasileiras. Os dados coletados foram analisados utilizando-se o método de análise de conteúdo, em busca de temas emergentes. Os resultados mostraram que a inclusão é compreendida pelos professores como participação e aprendizagem para todas as crianças e não apenas para aqueles com deficiência. Os esportes coletivos foram relatados como o principal desafio para a inclusão de alunos com deficiência. Programas de formação inicial e de capacitação continuada para os professores precisam propor práticas pedagógicas eficazes para promover a inclusão, levando a reestruturação da formação de professores de Educação Física.