With this project, we aimed to sustainably promote the social participation and inclusion of children and adolescents with disabilities in the area of team sports. The goal was to develop a comprehensive curriculum that supports the integration of participants with disabilities into sports clubs and methodically promotes qualified leadership in inclusive groups. This includes training for caregivers and coaches to create an inclusive and supportive environment. The focus was on developing practice-relevant methods and tools that enable professionals to address the specific needs of children and adolescents with disabilities in team sports. The creation of a handbook with clear guidelines and exercises was a key component to support the implementation of inclusive sports offerings in practice. Through these measures, we strive to promote inclusion and diversity in team sports and to raise awareness of the importance of social participation for all children and adolescents, regardless of their abilities.
We identified a significant gap in the support for the social participation of children and adolescents with disabilities in sports associations. The integration of these groups into team sports is crucial for creating an inclusive environment that promotes social interactions and personal development. We also recognized that many affected individuals face challenges when it comes to incorporating inclusive practices into their training methods. There was a lack of best practices as well as qualified support for leading inclusive groups/teams. This project aimed to address these needs by developing an innovative curriculum that provides specific strategies and methods for the inclusion of children and adolescents with disabilities in team sports. The resulting handbook, consisting of 116 pages and six modules, now offers concrete guidance and suggestions for conducting inclusive sports activities. It is a valuable resource that supports professionals. By implementing this handbook, the needs of adolescents with disabilities can be specifically addressed!