CMF Kids and Crotched Mountain Foundation are partnering with the UNH Kinesiology Department to embark on a groundbreaking two-year research project focused on physical activity (PA) and sports participation among children with disabilities in public schools.
“Between enhanced physical health and improved social and academic skills, the benefits of PA are wide-ranging,” says Melissa White, Executive Director of CMF Kids. “The unfortunate reality is that children with disabilities often face significant barriers to participation in physical activity and sports.”
Nationwide, children with disabilities are nearly five times less likely to engage in PA than their non-disabled peers. In New Hampshire, no population-level data currently exists on PA and sports participation among children with disabilities in our communities and schools. This research seeks to rectify that and generate actionable data.
“We hope to learn how children with disabilities participate in physical education in New Hampshire public schools,” said Ned Olney, President and CEO of Crotched Mountain Foundation. “The results of this never-before-conducted research will help schools and organizations include more children with disabilities in sports and physical activity.”
CMF Kids partners with New Hampshire schools and community organizations to improve social, emotional, and academic outcomes for children with disabilities.