Physical Activity and the Development of the Built Environment in Schools for Youth with a Functional Disability in Quebec

Abstract Background: Assess how primary and secondary schools were designed to encourage the practice of physical and sporting activities for young people with limited physical abilities. Analyse the impacts of the built environment on the adoption of active behaviours for the disabled clientele in schools. Materials and methods: Fifteen schools in Quebec were examined using two structured and coded observation grids. Fifty-two interviews were held with each school’s administrative team, physical education teachers, the professional staff, parents and youth with limited physical abilities. Results: The school environment is a central component in the inclusion of youth with physical limitations. However, the lack of means, the dilapidated state of some spaces along with the lack of knowledge of the different populations of youth with limited physical abilities can account for the fact that the schools observed offer an environment that is more of less accessible or poorly adapted to these young people. Conclusions: Most of the time, certain non-existent or deficient faculties in the surveyed areas have a negative impact on the autonomy, perseverance, and the level of inclusion of young individuals with limited physical abilities. It therefore seems essential to adapt and develop areas of activity in accordance with the clientele’s (or potential clientele’s) physical limitations