Navigating sport, recreation and post-secondary life with a disability

On Dec. 4, the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation hosted “Getting What You Need: Navigating Sport, Physical Activity, Recreation, and Post-Secondary with a Disability.” This panel brought together individuals who shared their journeys of overcoming barriers and embracing opportunities in education, sport and recreation while living with disabilities.

Panellists included Maggie Slessor, a high-performance wheelchair racer and therapeutic recreation student at NorQuest College; Morgan Cathcart, program assistant with the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta; Geneva Coulter, partnerships and Para sport development coordinator at The Steadward Centre; and Scott Claypool, a longtime Steadward Centre member.

The discussion highlighted the importance of community support, self-advocacy and flexibility at work and in higher education. “My needs change daily,” shared Slessor. “Balancing school and sports is crucial for my mental and physical health.” She noted that her identity as an athlete sometimes creates misconceptions: “Instructors might see my achievements in sport and assume I don’t need accommodations. But the reality is, I still face challenges and need support to succeed in both academics and athletics.”

Coulter emphasized the evolving role of sport in her life: “I enjoy focusing on systems change and the broader impact it can have. Transitioning from being an athlete to a coach and then to an administrator has given me a deeper appreciation for the breadth of influence I can achieve. Completing my degree in kinesiology allows me to work in sports in a meaningful way while still staying connected to the sport I love through coaching. It’s fulfilling to remain engaged with athletes and contribute to their development, all while pursuing larger systemic improvements in the field.”

Panellists also spoke candidly about navigating post-secondary education with disabilities. “Reaching out to instructors can be intimidating,” noted Cathcart. “But a simple email from an instructor checking in can make all the difference — it shows they care.”  She urged educators to “trust us when we ask for accommodations. We don’t make requests lightly or without reason. Unfortunately, there’s sometimes skepticism because of past abuses of the system, but as individuals with disabilities, we know what we need to succeed — so believing and supporting us makes a huge difference.”

For Claypool, finding adaptive opportunities later in life was transformative. “I didn’t know where I fit in the world of adaptive sports at first,” he said. “Finding your team — those who understand and advocate for you — makes all the difference. For me, that’s what The Steadward Centre became. Through connections with organizations like Muscular Dystrophy Canada, I was introduced to resources and people who helped me thrive. Those relationships are invaluable for finding balance and being your best self.”

The event was hosted by Jen Leo and co-organized by The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement and the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Their joint efforts created a platform for open and inspiring discussions aimed at promoting inclusive environments and strengthening support networks.

New fitness opportunities for post-secondary students with disabilities

Recognizing the challenges post-secondary students with disabilities often face in accessing sport, physical activity, and recreation, The Steadward Centre has taken proactive steps to address these barriers. By collaborating with a Young Adult Advisory Committee, the Centre has gained valuable insights into the unique needs of this community. As a result, it has extended gym access hours to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is launching a new program in January 2025.