Towards effective communication between sports recreation specialists and intellectually disabled athletes: An exploratory study

Although communication is regarded as an important approach to investigate the determinants of the satisfaction of athletes with special needs, there is a paucity of research that examine communication competences of sports recreation specialists when interacting with intellectually disabled athletes. The study concludes that communication competences of sports recreation specialists contribute significantly in enriching the experience of intellectually disabled athletes and satisfaction specifically the non-verbal communication dimension because of its effect on the communication success
This study extends previous research by proposing a model that investigates sports recreation specialists’ basic communication skills when communicating with athletes with intellectual disability. The study provides a framework that sets sports recreation specialists’ point of view concerning verbal and non-verbal communication when interacting with intellectually disabled athletes thereby moved beyond prior research on athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The study recommends as well that the sports recreation specialists have to assess communication abilities of athletes with intellectual disability to satisfy this segment and achieve their quality of life.
The study provides the representative dimensions of sports recreation specialists’ communication competences who interact with athletes with intellectual disability and the relevant indicators that measure each dimension.  Dimensions and indicators were validated by specialists in sports management. Therefore, sports recreation specialists can evaluate their performance, athletes’ satisfaction, the quality of particular services offered to athletes with special needs and the necessary improvements that should take place.
 
The main objective of this study is to raise awareness of the specific needs of athletes with intellectual disability and improve communication competences of sports recreation specialists who interact with this segment.
The study recommends as well the importance of organizing training courses that respond to the special needs of athletes with intellectual disability for example official sports authorities that organize regular training courses to sports recreation specialists and also faculties that have sports recreation departments to provide students with subjects that raise their knowledge and awareness of intellectually disabled athletes which aims to guarantee the optimal communication between two parties: the sports recreation specialists and athletes with intellectual disabilities
In sum, the current study makes several contributions to both sports and disability research; the study contributes to the sports field by proposing ways which sports recreation specialists can use to enhance their communication competences when interacting with athletes with intellectual disability. It contributes as well to disability field through examining ways of improving their athletes’ experience and improving their quality of life.