Research Article

Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Volume: 27 Number: 3 September 30, 2026
TR EN

Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Self-Determination Theory posits that satisfying the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness is critical to individuals' learning and participation. In inclusive education, supporting these needs enables students not only to participate but also to develop a sense of belonging and meaningful attachment to the learning environment. This study examines how participation of students with intellectual disabilities in adapted sports activities in Türkiye's inclusive education context supports the construction of social connectedness, belonging, and interaction skills through autonomy, competence, and relatedness. An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used. Participants were ten individuals aged 18–40 with intellectual disabilities at varying levels of functioning and ten typically developing volunteers. Data were collected through audio recordings, semi-structured interviews, and reflective notes. Thematic analysis yielded four themes: (a) social bonds and experiences of reciprocal interaction, (b) construction of belonging and group adaptation, (c) strengthening social cohesion through communication, and (d) volunteers' emotional experiences and perceptions of inclusion. Adapted sports activities strengthen the social belonging and interaction of students with intellectual disabilities. This effect varies with individual support needs; genuine participation depends not on an adapted sports activity being offered, but on students feeling they belong and being supported in learning.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This study was conducted within the scope of the project numbered SBF.A3.25.002, which was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Unit of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University.

Project Number

SBF.A3.25.002

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University. Informed consent was obtained from the parents of all participants prior to the research process. The confidentiality and privacy of the participants were protected.

Thanks

We would like to thank the children and their parents for participating in this study. We also express our gratitude to the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University for their support during the implementation process.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Multi Disabled Education, Inclusive Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

January 19, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 27 Number: 3

APA
Beyazoğlu, G., & Kanmaz, B. (2026). Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 27(3), 1286-1309. https://doi.org/10.29299/kefad.1867230
AMA
1.Beyazoğlu G, Kanmaz B. Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. KEFAD. 2026;27(3):1286-1309. doi:10.29299/kefad.1867230
Chicago
Beyazoğlu, Gamze, and Beyzanur Kanmaz. 2026. “Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities”. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 27 (3): 1286-1309. https://doi.org/10.29299/kefad.1867230.
EndNote
Beyazoğlu G, Kanmaz B (September 1, 2026) Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 27 3 1286–1309.
IEEE
[1]G. Beyazoğlu and B. Kanmaz, “Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities”, KEFAD, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 1286–1309, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.29299/kefad.1867230.
ISNAD
Beyazoğlu, Gamze - Kanmaz, Beyzanur. “Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities”. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 27/3 (September 1, 2026): 1286-1309. https://doi.org/10.29299/kefad.1867230.
JAMA
1.Beyazoğlu G, Kanmaz B. Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. KEFAD. 2026;27:1286–1309.
MLA
Beyazoğlu, Gamze, and Beyzanur Kanmaz. “Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities”. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 27, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 1286-09, doi:10.29299/kefad.1867230.
Vancouver
1.Gamze Beyazoğlu, Beyzanur Kanmaz. Adapted Volleyball, Social Belonging, and Inclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. KEFAD. 2026 Sep. 1;27(3):1286-309. doi:10.29299/kefad.1867230