Introduction

The South African government has enacted various policies that oblige universities to provide conducive environments for the equal participation of students with disabilities (SWDs) in sport and recreational activities (SARAs). Despite this, research indicates that SWDs have low participation opportunities in comparison to their nondisabled peers in SARAs on campuses, with universities focusing more on the academic needs of SWDs than on their social needs. In order to describe and assess the measures being taken by South African universities to promote the participation of SWDs in SARAs, twenty-eight qualitative interviews with disability unit staff members (DUSMs) were conducted. Data were analyzed using a theoretically derived qualitative content analysis in which othering was employed as a theoretical lens. The study found three broad responses: those who objected strongly to the participation of SWDs in SARAs; those who wanted to see SWDs participating in SARAs but expressed concerns over barriers; and those who fully supported the participation of SWDs in SARAs and who argued that it promotes positive academic outcomes, is a basic right, and is part of a healthy lifestyle. It is the contention of this researcher that universities should prioritize the equal participation of SWDs in SARAs as a holistic way of creating an enabling environment for SWDs.

Disability Sport: An International Context

According to Patricia Miller, every person has a right to participate in sport that is governed by rules based on equality and has sufficient access to any necessary resources. The rights for PWDs to participate in sport and recreation are enshrined in such international human rights instruments as the CRPD. Article 30 of the CRPD provides for the participation of PWDs in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sport. Section 5(b) of this article specifically obliges signatories to take appropriate measures to ensure that PWDs have the same opportunity and provision of resources, including coaching, as their nondisabled peers in order to participate in disability-specific sport and recreational activities.