8/26/2025. By Donggil Song
I am excited to share a recent publication from my collaborators and me that examines the power of sport-based disability simulations (SBDS) in higher education.
The Study
In my recent collaborative study (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24711616.2025.2541180) led by Dr. Min Kim at Sam Houston State University, kinesiology undergraduates participated in three adapted sports:
Wheelchair Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, and Goalball
At first, many students assumed these activities would be “easy” or “less competitive.” But as they played, they quickly discovered the skill, strategy, and physical demand required to compete.
Key Findings
“I thought it would be just easy and boring, but I was wrong.”
– Student participant
Through focus groups, reflections, and observations, two major themes emerged:
- Challenging Initial Assumptions
Students’ underestimations gave way to deep respect for the athleticism of disability sports. - Attitudinal and Professional Transformation
Participation led to eye-opening realizations, changes in perspective toward people with disabilities, and professional growth rooted in empathy, gratitude, and curiosity.
These findings highlight the power of experiential learning to break down assumptions, build empathy, and shape future professionals in health, sport, and education.
Looking Forward: VR/AR for Disability Sports Education
As an engineering researcher, my passion is to explore how technology can expand these experiences beyond the classroom. VR simulations could allow students to step into the perspective of athletes with different disabilities. AR-enhanced training tools could replicate the feel of adapted sports equipment. Immersive learning platforms could blend real and virtual environments to create scalable, accessible, and repeatable disability sport experiences. With VR/AR, disability sports education can become more inclusive, immersive, and globally accessible—helping not only kinesiology students, but also educators, coaches, and engineers design with empathy and innovation.
Gratitude and Next Steps
I am deeply grateful to my collaborators and students for contributing to this work. This is only the beginning of a journey where engineering, VR/AR technology, and disability inclusion meet.