Date Presented 04/03/2025
Adaptive sailing promotes unrestricted access for people with disabilities. OT can enhance adaptive sailing programs by covering current research, emerging inclusion technology, and the shift from accessibility to autonomy.
Primary Author and Speaker: Shanna M. Haver
PURPOSE: Adaptive sailing facilitates unrestricted access to the water and experiential sailing for people living with disabilities. Occupational therapy can play a valuable role in adaptive sailing to increase leisure, community, and social participation and promote inclusion, well-being, and quality of life. This session will describe the role of OT in adaptive sailing programs, including current literature and programs on a local, national, and international level. It will also discuss future directions, including new adaptive equipment, collaboration between the medical and social disability models, and the transition from accessibility to autonomy.
DESIGN: Quasi-Experimental with phenomenological, narrative elements focusing on individuals’ lived experiences. Participants were recruited following the same guidelines as the sailing center programming took place. Ages 6-80 with various diagnoses.
METHOD: Data was collected through an electronic-based pre/post survey with yes/no questions, open-ended questions, standardized questionnaires, Likert-Scale Items, Qualitative content analysis, and thematic content. Data is collected at both the pretest and posttest stages.
RESULTS: Among 106 participants (75 pre-survey, 31 post-survey; average age 36, 47% female, 25% using adaptive equipment), 64% had prior sailing experience with DSC. Pre-survey data highlighted common barriers like lack of confidence and accessibility. Post-survey findings showed 57% reported positive life changes, with increases in confidence (52% in trying new activities, making friends), emotional well-being (56% felt safer, 52% more confident, 48% more relaxed, 56% more included), and comfort in environments like home, outdoors, and social settings.
CONCLUSION: Adaptive sailing enhanced participants’ quality of life by improving confidence, emotional well-being, and social connectedness while reducing barriers. Despite weather-related cancellations affecting participation, the
References
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