Quality of Life in Individuals With Disabilities Through a Student-Led Service-Learning Program: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis to Examine the Reciprocal Benefits of Service Learning

Abstract

Purpose: The efficacy of service learning in physical activity (PA) intervention is generally not centered around perceptions of the service recipients, posing questions when the efficacy of an intervention is crucial, such as PA in people with disabilities. The present study examined perceptions of the recipients in a student-led service-learning program through a quality of life survey and interviews. Method: Undergraduate students led a 13-week PA intervention. Before and after the intervention, people with disabilities (N = 56) completed quality of life surveys (i.e., the National Institute of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System). A face-to-face interview was conducted with N = 6. Results: All quality of life items, except for Mental Health–Anxiety, improved (p < .01). The interviews suggested that environmental factors (i.e., encouragement from students, the open space that allowed interactions) positively impacted the program. Discussion: The environment may be a key factor in the program’s success in PA intervention from the recipients’ perspective.