ABSTRACT
The topic of Intellectual Disability is arguably one of the least understood, least critiqued and least researched areas of sports coaching. Even more so, it is there is very limited practical and accessible resources available to sports coaches on how to deliver inclusive and integrative sports sessions for people with intellectual disabilities, nor are there sufficient resources in how to develop individual with intellectual disabilities into elite level athletes. However, the number of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom participating in sport and physical activity is one of the fastest growing impairment groups. This chapter provides coaches with important population determinants such as what an intellectual disability is, and importantly what it is not, as well as outlining some key clinical and sociological considerations for practitioners when coaching people with intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, the chapter provides an overview of the different participating and performance pathways in the United Kingdom to better contextualise the intellectual disability sporting landscape for coaches to identify opportunities for progression for their athletes and their own careers. In addition, the chapter includes practical advice and case study examples from one of the leading intellectual disability sports coaches in the United Kingdom.
