Adapted Physical Activity
What is Adapted Physical Activity?
Adapted physical activity is a cross-disciplinary body of practical and theoretical knowledge inclusive of people who experience disability and is focused on impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions in physical activity. It is a service delivery profession and an academic field of study that supports an attitude of acceptance of differences, advocates access to active lifestyles and sport and promotes innovative and cooperative service delivery, supports and empowerment. Adapted physical activity includes, but is not limited to, physical education, sport, recreation, dance, creative arts, nutrition, medicine and rehabilitation.
Researchers in this area study issues related to children's and adults' engagement and inclusion in physical activity, recreation, and sport settings.
Focus of Research
Dr. Janice Causgrove Dunn
Dr. Causgrove Dunn's research interests primarily focus on motivational constructs and physical activity participation of children with impairment.
Dr. Lindsay Eales
Dr. Eales uses research-creation methodologies to study disability-centred dance, Mad arts and culture, and intersectional anti-oppressive trauma-informed movement practices.
Research project website: Just Movements Lab (co-directed with Dr. Danielle Peers)
Dr. Danielle Peers
Dr. Peers' work bridges three fields: adapted physical activity, socio-cultural sport and movement studies and critical disability studies.
Research project website: Just Movements Lab (co-directed with Dr. Lindsay Eales)
Dr. Nancy Spencer
As a relational scholar and educator, Dr. Spencer is committed to understanding how to facilitate inclusive and meaningful experiences in play, sport (Para sport) and recreation for children and youth, and specifically people who experience disability, using qualitative, community-informed and person-centred approaches to research.
Adapted Physical Activity Researchers
Dr. Janice Causgrove Dunn
Dr. Lindsay Eales
Dr. Danielle Peers
Dr. Nancy Spencer