Participation in physical activity and sport for those with disabilities.

Participation in physical activity and sport is essential for children and adults with disabilities. Research particularly identifies the benefits of such participation for this core group in the areas of physical, emotional, social and language development (Reid & O'Connor, 2003; Sugden & Chambers, 2006). To this end the research of Crawford, MacDonncha and Smith (2007) sought to develop programmes for children with autism and co-occurring learning disabilities and to evaluate the effects of such participation on the overall movement abilities and social responsiveness of the participants. Programmes were designed that incorporated Egan's Sliothar Hitters into an obstacle course. The Sliothar Hitters were used as they provided the children with an opportunity to develop skills in ball play, striking, swinging, spatial awareness and accuracy in a fun and safe environment. Children participated in both one to one and group activities and the equipment could be used both outside and indoors. Success was guaranteed as the apparatus was stationary/fixed. Furthermore the Sliothar Hitters provided children with disabilities with an opportunity to participate in one of our national sports, like their typically developed peers. Prior to participation in the programme children were shown a DVD of the Sliothar Hitters in use by typically developed children, to prepare them for what was involved. For safety purposes plastic hurleys were used.

The research found that the children all showed improvements in both movement abilities and social responsiveness after a 10 week programme using the Sliothar Hitters. This was particularly evident in development of ball skills, manual dexterity and indeed static and dynamic balance. In the areas of social responsiveness improvements occurred in social awareness, social communication, social motivation, social cognition and autistic mannerisms. Furthermore teachers reported that the children showed improvements in class participation and overall attitude following participation in the programmes

After completion of the research, children with physical, learning and sensory disabilities were provided with the opportunity to use the Sliothar Hitters and this proved a great success. Having presented these developments to the Clare County Board the Board agreed to fund the purchase of the equipment for the school involved.

It is my view that the Sliothar Hitters can pave the way for children with varying disabilities to successfully participate in our national sport of hurling and enjoy the benefits of improved overall movement ability and social responsiveness as experienced by participants in our research programme.