The Challenges of Physical Education Professionals to Work with People with Disabilities during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the barriers encountered by physical education professionals in serving people with disabilities amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This study consisted of cross-sectional descriptive research of an exploratory nature. The instrument used to carry out this study was based on a questionnaire created by the researchers and validated through the face validity method, which consists of three professionals with a PhD in the field of physical education who formulated an opinion on the questionnaire. The inclusion criteria was to be a physical education professional working with people with disabilities through sports, while the exclusion criteria were professionals without a degree in physical education and professional registration. The present study sample consisted of 64 physical education professionals who offer classes for people with disabilities throughout Brazil. They presented a significant prevalence for the variation of the class model, difficulties in the use of the execution of the activities and the disinterest of the students in carrying out the exercises virtually. It is concluded that the barriers encountered by physical education professionals who work directly with People with Disabilities were the curricular and methodological adaptations, the weaknesses in using the technological tool and the teaching-learning factors.