Exploring Ableism in Kinesiology Curriculum through Kinesiology Students' Experience: A Phenomenological Study

Ableism is an inconspicuous phenomenon within the allied health field which may play a role in the lack of quality care often observed for people with disabilities (PWD). Since individuals' general perceptions and attitudes toward people with disabilities develop in the early stages of their ac...

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Published inInternational journal of kinesiology in higher education Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 105 - 114
Main Authors Narasaki-Jara, Mai, Carmona, Christelli Encarnacion, Stillwell, Belinda, Onofre, Raul, Brolsma, Donald James, Buenavista, Tracy Lachica
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Routledge 03.07.2021
Taylor & Francis
Subjects
Ableism
Allied Health Occupations Education
attitude
Attitudes toward Disabilities
Critical Disability Theory
Critical Theory
Curriculum Evaluation
Disabilities
disability
Kinesiology
Social Bias
Student Attitudes
Student Experience
Undergraduate Students
California
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Summary:Ableism is an inconspicuous phenomenon within the allied health field which may play a role in the lack of quality care often observed for people with disabilities (PWD). Since individuals' general perceptions and attitudes toward people with disabilities develop in the early stages of their academic life, it is critical to examine the education of prospective allied healthcare practitioners, such as Kinesiology (KIN) students, to identify the roots of ableist ideas in an education system. The purpose of this study was to explore KIN students' experiences within their respective curriculum in relation to the topics of PWD and ableism. We employed a phenomenological qualitative design using semi-structured interviews based on Critical Disability Theory. Twenty KIN students were interviewed about their experiences regarding PWD and KIN education. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The results revealed ableism within the KIN curriculum due to insufficient information and exposure to PWD. Our findings provide a significant contribution to academia by highlighting how an able-bodied curriculum can perpetuate ableist attitudes among KIN students. Subsequently, this study signifies the need to develop disability awareness in KIN education.
ISSN:2471-1616
2471-1624
DOI:10.1080/24711616.2020.1753602