PROGRAM EVALUATION OF ACCESSURF HAWAI‘I, AN ADAPTIVE SURF, SWIM AND CANOE PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABLITIES

Abstract

Approximately 15% of the global population lives with disability (1). The proportion is even greater in the United States, where 1 in every 4 adults experienced disability in 2017 (2). People with disabilities have three times greater risk of developing non-communicable diseases than people without disabilities (3), in part because they are less active than their peers without disabilities (4). People with disabilities also are likely to experience social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to negative health consequences and even lower physcial activity levels (5–8). One approach to combating these health disparities is through community programming in adaptive sports. AccesSurf Hawai‘i provides people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive swimming, surfing, and canoeing. The purpose of my three-study dissertation was to evaluate AccesSurf’s impact on participants benefits, ability to assess community need during COVID-19, and program sustainability. Study 1 identified the benefits of aquatic physical activity and participation in AccesSurf programs for people with disabilities through a secondary data analysis of participant surveys (called “Fun Wall”) (n=442) and a Skills Tool (n=8). Results showed that participants improved in levels of aquatic physical activity, skills, independence, confidence, and community integration. Study 2 identified AccesSurf community’s need for programming during the COVID-19 pandemic through a mixed-method approach, first soliciting answers from open- ended questions (n=89), followed by a closed-ended questionnaire (n=149). There was high awareness and satisfaction across all programs, including the newly added virtual programs. The results provided insight into community needs, and showed differences between sub-groups, such as in feeling the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. Study 3 explored the contributing factors of AccesSurf’s sustainability, as well as opportunities for improvement, using a mixed-method approach. The closed-ended Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) (n=15) was administered to governing members, followed by in-depth interviews (n=5). This study highlighted areas of strength, including AccesSurf’s adaptability, champions, and communications. Areas for improvement are strategic planning, stable funding, and partnerships with other community organizations and leaders. Taken together, findings confirm that the program was beneficial to participants, has high program satisfaction, and many characteristics supporting its sustainability, with some room for improvements, all of which benefits the AccesSurf community. Findings can inform similar organizations that are providing innovative, recreational physical activity options for people with disabilities and future research.