The HandbALL IN Program from the Perspective of Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Uvod: Sport i tjelesna aktivnost imaju mnoštvo dobrobiti na razvoj djece, osobito one s teškoćama u razvoju, ostavljajući tako pozitivne učinke na fizičke, psihičke a i na društvene aspekte njihova razvoja. No, i dalje djeca i mladi s teškoćama u razvoju često nailaze na brojne prepreke prilikom pokušaja uključivanja u sportske programe. HandbALL IN program osmišljen je kako bi omogućio djeci s teškoćama u razvoju sudjelovanje u sportskim aktivnostima te im pružio priliku za inkluziju u zajednicu. Cilj: Cilj ovog rada bio je istražiti stavove roditelja djece i mladih s teškoćama u razvoju o sudjelovanju u ovom programu, uključujući njegove prednosti, izazove i mogućnosti poboljšanja. Metode: Istraživanje je provedeno metodom intervjua koje je uključivalo 10 roditelja čija su djeca uključena u HandbALL IN program u Novom Marofu. Zaključak: Rezultati pokazuju zadovoljstvo roditelja programom, ističu brojne prednosti programa no, uz pozitivne aspekte, roditelji ističu potrebu za povećanjem broja termina, što naglašava potrebu veće podrške lokalne zajednice i državnih institucija za provedbu inkluzivnih sportskih programa.Background: Sport and physical activity offer numerous benefits for children's development, especially for those with developmental disabilities, positively impacting their physical, psychological, and social growth. However, children and youth with developmental disabilities still often face many barriers when trying to participate in sports programs. The HandbALL IN program was designed to enable children with developmental disabilities to take part in sports activities and provide them with opportunities for inclusion in the community. Aim: The aim of this paper was to explore the perspectives of parents of children and youth with developmental disabilities regarding their participation in this program, including its benefits, challenges, and possibilities for improvement. Methods: The research was conducted using interview methodology, involving 10 parents whose children are enrolled in the HandbALL IN program in Novi Marof. Results: The results show that parents are satisfied with the program, highlighting its many advantages. However, alongside the positive aspects, parents emphasized the need for an increased number of sessions, pointing to the importance of greater support from local communities and government institutions in implementing inclusive sports programs