Dissertation
Interdisciplinary aquatic program for children with disabilities: the lived experience of related service providers, special educators, and paraprofessional staff
Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.), Drexel University
08 Dec 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001445
Abstract
Aims: Public School health and wellness programs for children with disabilities are supported by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015.) This research describes the lived experiences of paraprofessionals and related service providers/educators in one public school aquatic program regarding promotion of health and wellness, interdisciplinary coordination, service delivery, and student Individualized Education Program outcomes. Methods: 4 paraprofessionals and 5 related service providers/educators from the RSU 16 Aquatic Program participated in an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study consisting of a quantitative survey and two focus groups. Paraprofessionals and related service providers/educators participated in separate focus groups. Analysis of survey data informed questions for the first focus groups. Preliminary analysis of transcripts from the first focus groups informed more in-depth questions for the second focus groups. One researcher conducted thematic analysis of written transcripts from audio recordings to identify qualitative themes, and a second and third researcher reviewed process and analysis. Results: Three themes emerged that were common to both groups: 1) Positive impact on students, 2) Collaboration toward child goals yielded appreciation of one another, 3) Job satisfaction among program staff. Two themes reflected the experiences of paraprofessionals: 1) Knowledge disconnection regarding team member roles and Individualized Education Program goals, and 2) Building trust with children. Two themes reflected the experiences of related service providers/educators: 1) Sense of responsibility for the program, and 2) Uniqueness of aquatic program design. Participants reported that they experienced the program providing healthy, safe, engaging, and challenging activity that was supported by adults which are the 5 tenets of the Whole School, Whole Child, Whole community by the Centers for Disease Control. Participants recommended better communication by service providers/educators on student goals and roles of each team member. Conclusions: The experience of team members suggests the ASU 16 Aquatic Program is an innovative health and wellness program that could be implemented in public schools for children with disabilities.
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Details
- Title
- Interdisciplinary aquatic program for children with disabilities
- Creators
- Tara Paradie
- Contributors
- Robert J. Palisano (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 109 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University; Physical Therapy (and Rehabilitation Sciences)
- Other Identifier
- 991020041415104721