Exploring the Perspectives of Able-bodied Athletes in Wheelchair Basketball

Within the sport of wheelchair basketball in Canada, athletes with and without disabilities compete with and against each other. This type of reverse integration is made possible by a functional classification system, wherein athletes are assigned a point value based on limitations in functional skills. Able-bodied athletes (AB, those without functional limitations) are assigned a value of 4.5. Classifiable athletes (those with disability) are assigned a value ranging from 0.5 to 4.5 depending on the degree of functional limitation. This classification system is intended to balance the functional potential of competing teams. Brasile (1990, 1992) suggested that reverse integration in wheelchair basketball has increased opportunities for all athletes to take part, while at the same time promoting an equitable platform for competition and socialization. In a study examining the perspectives of classifiable women wheelchair basketball players, Spencer-Cavaliere, Peers and Watkinson (in preparation) also found significant support for reverse integration. Athletes suggested that wheelchair basketball reduced differences between athletes without and without disabilities through the promotion of valued roles, teaching and athletic identities. Conversely, Thiboutot, Smith & Labanowich (1992) have argued that reverse integration devalues the athleticism of athletes with disabilities and limits their competitive opportunities. Although reverse integration is becoming more widespread (Medland & Ellis-Hill, 2008) research investigating its impact is still limited. Objective