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Article
Aquatic Instructors' Attitudes Toward Teaching Students with Disabilities
Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly
  • Phillip Conatser, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
  • Martin Block, University of Virginia - Main Campus
  • Monica Lepore, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2000
Disciplines
Abstract

The purpose was to examine attitudes of aquatic instructors (female, n = 59; male, n = 23) toward teaching swimming to students with mild to severe disabilities in an inclusive setting. Aquatic instructors from 28 states representing 75 cities across the U.S. participated in this study. Data were collected by mail with a modified version of Rizzo's (1984) "Attitudes of Physical Educators Toward Teaching Handicapped Pupils" (renamed "Physical Educators' Attitudes Toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities - Swim"). A correlated t test showed that aquatic instructors were significantly more favorable toward teaching aquatics to students with mild disabilities than students with severe disabilities. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that conducting an inclusive aquatic program was the best predictor of favorable attitudes toward including students with mild disabilities, while having more certifications in aquatics was the best predictor of favorable attitudes toward including students with severe disabilities in regular aquatic programs.

Publisher
Human Kinetics Publishing Inc
Citation Information
Phillip Conatser, Martin Block and Monica Lepore. "Aquatic Instructors' Attitudes Toward Teaching Students with Disabilities" Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly Vol. 17 Iss. 2 (2000) p. 197 - 207 ISSN: 0736-5829
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/monica_lepore/1/