Developing Disability Sport: The Evolving Role of the University Sector

Abstract

The chapter considers how the university sector as a key stakeholder in the promotion of an inclusive physical culture can contribute to the development of disability (including para) sport. It focuses on two perspectives. The first considers universities as not just centres for knowledge production but also as focal points for promoting a critical pedagogy, forming the basis for developing disability sports coaches, scientists and administrators as critically reflective practitioners. The second relates to ways in which university portfolios can contribute to disabled athlete development through, for example, expanding the disability sport coaching base, adaptive strength and conditioning programmes, supporting the work of federations and engagement with research and development. The chapter closes by arguing that if universities are to serve the public good locally, regionally and globally, challenging neoliberal individualism at an institutional level and sharing information and expertise across the sector is necessary to provide the basis for a more accessible disability sport environment.