This research aims to investigate the existing service design of athletic services offered at a higher education facility to a) develop insight on how such services may be related to concepts of segregated and integrative recreational physical activity and b) to help us understand how these services may be impacting persons with disabilities. A multimethod qualitative approach was used to develop an understanding of the perspectives and experiences of participants on these topics, with the aim of bringing together their knowledge to help inform service planning recommendations for physical recreation at higher education facilities.The results of the methods show that, overall, segregation seemed to have a negative connotation for participants, while integration seemed to carry more positive associations.It was also reported that service design can impact concepts of segregated or integrative participation. In this case study, the services were available for all and hence, did not illustrate segregation; however, service aspects such as fitness instructors not trained in adaptive fitness, ineffective fitness training certifications, fear, misconceptions and attitudes of people involved did play a role in favoring concepts of segregated participation. The information from the study, specifically the individual voices of participants may inform future studies related to designing fitness services for people with disabilities.I also extend my gratitude to my co-supervisor Dr. Boris Vukovic, whose guidance enriched my work and widened my research perspectives.I continue to thank my parents, siblings, family, and friends; they supported me, encouraged me and believed in me.A special thank you for my husband to be, for being patient and supportive throughout.And finally, but most importantly, I thank all the participants and community members who genuinely took interest in my research and shared their time, experiences, and knowledge which aided my research and brought my thesis to completion.
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