IJSEA Volume 15 Issue 4

Inclusive Sports Programs for Children with Special Needs in Baguio City, Philippines: Availability, Barriers, And Community Impact

Vanessa Belino, Mary Joy Banario Organo
10.7753/IJSEA1504.1015
keywords : inclusive sports; children with special needs; disability; community attitudes; participation barriers

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This study did a comprehensive review of the inclusive sports program for children with special needs carried out in Baguio City, Philippines. It aimed to assess availability, participation, perceived effectiveness, implementation hurdles, and community effects. Methods Cross-sectional survey structure was applied as the research group in this study based on a sample of 50 parents with children with special needs, 10 coaches and program staff and 50 general community members. The main findings are that participation in organized inclusive sports is minimal with 36.67% children with special needs participating. Participation highlighted a significantly different socio-economic status, with high-income families’ children three times more likely to take part in sports compared to low-income families’ children. Swimming (42.3%) and adapted athletics (30.8%) were practiced most often. Important implementation barriers were lack of budgets (M = 4.56), lack of skills of the staff (M = 4.48) and lack of facilities (M = 4.32), according to the coaches reported. Parents noted that involved children gained the most in social competence (M = 4.32) and self-esteem (M = 4.18). Most active communities also reported positive attitudes towards those with disabilities, but overall awareness of this program was low (30%). Finally, this study is prepared with concrete recommendations for the council (municipality), educational institutions and other local stakeholders, to provide appropriate allocation, improved training and decentralization of the programs so as to provide fair and successful access and inclusive community. Terms of reference: Inclusive Sports, Special Needs, Disability, Baguio City, Barriers to Participation, community attitudes.
@artical{v1542026ijsea15041015,
Title = "Inclusive Sports Programs for Children with Special Needs in Baguio City, Philippines: Availability, Barriers, And Community Impact",
Journal ="International Journal of Science and Engineering Applications (IJSEA)",
Volume = "15",
Issue ="4",
Pages ="82 - 85",
Year = "2026",
Authors ="Vanessa Belino, Mary Joy Banario Organo"}