2022 Para Report Card on Physical Activity of Israeli Children and Adolescents With Disabilities

Children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) represent 11% of Israeli children and adolescents. The 10 core indicators of the Global Matrix on Para Report Cards of physical activity (PA) of CAWD were used to create the 2022 Israeli Para Report Card. A panel of four experts reviewed resources and synthesized evidence of PA behaviors and policies for CAWD in Israel, converted the data to grades, and charted subcategories of language, sex, and disability across population. Data sources were surveys, reports, and memberships in sport federations and clubs. Among CAWD, levels of participation in daily PA were poor (<20%; Grade F), and participation of CAWD in sports was even lower (<10%; Grade F). A lack of environmental infrastructure may explain the low levels of participation. Females, Arabic speakers, and physiological CAWD need particular attention. Establishing governmental policies and interventions is required to increase overall PA and participation in sports among CAWD.

Automated summary

The 2022 Israeli Para Report Card reveals that the levels of physical activity participation among children and adolescents with disabilities in Israel are low, particularly for females, Arabic speakers, and those with physiological disabilities. The lack of environmental infrastructure is one of the reasons for the low participation levels. Government policies and interventions are needed to increase overall physical activity and participation in sports among children and adolescents with disabilities.