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UW Inclusive Physical Activity & Sports in Ireland

A group of students in a gym, some standing and some in wheelchairs, make the shape of a W with their fingers to represent UW-Madison.
A woman is sitting on the floor with her legs spread apart, stretching to touch one hand to the edge of her foot. A variety of weights are present in the background.
A man is riding a specially designed bicycle with hand pedals across a stone path.
A green cliff with a house very far in the distance touches the edge of a large body of water.
Two people in wheelchairs have tennis rackets and are shaking hands over a tennis net.
A bridge with green and white lights leads to several brick buildings on a cloudy night.

This program will run next in summer 2028

Ireland, Multiple

If you are interested in exploring and understanding the experience of individuals of diverse abilities from diverse cultures, this summer study abroad opportunity to Ireland could be a great fit for you! This 4 week program will provide you with an opportunity to explore allied health, health education and public health through the lens of a tourist/participant with disabilities. You will complete a 2 week online course, followed by 2 weeks in Ireland.

Ireland is in the midst of comprehensive and progressive reforms to their health and social care with an emphasis on providing better outreach and rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. From recent changes in legislation to the implementation of a nationwide cross-sector program, and ratification of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ireland offers a unique learning opportunity for you and other UW-Madison students interested in pursuing careers in allied health, fitness and well-being, health education, and public health.

Ireland has a distinct history, culture, and approach to health and movement. This course will focus on applying models, research, and best practices in motor control and motor learning to inclusive physical activity, sports and rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities in Ireland. You will participate in training seminars led by Active Disability Ireland, Sport Ireland in Dublin, and Munster Technological University in Tralee. You will visit rehabilitation facilities and community organizations to attend guest lectures from occupational therapists, physical and physiotherapists, athletes with disabilities, and government employees. At the University of Limerick, you will learn about bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the health sciences and hear about relevant research in physical activity, sedentary behavior, sport, and health for individuals with diverse abilities.

Co-curricular activities will provide you with an opportunity to explore and participate in sports, recreation, and physical activities through the lens of a tourist/participant with disabilities. 

Your Program Leaders will be Adapted Fitness Program Director Kecia Doyle and Professor Andrea Mason both from the Department of Kinesiology in the School of Education.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

1. Operationalize the concepts of culture, cultural humility, and cultural safety in relation to healthcare for individuals with diverse abilities in Ireland, as well as health education for their participation in adapted physical activity.

2. Identify and compare theoretical models of motor control and models of practice in occupational performance and phyical therapy used by allied health professionals and health educators in Ireland and the U.S. to facilitate culturally competent care for individuals with diverse abilities.

3. Gain insight into evidenced-based practices and interventions used by Irish healthcare providers and researchers to improve motor control and occupational performance in individuals with diverse abilities.

4. Examine the connection between improved motor control, occupational performance, and accessibility to inclusive and adapted physical activity settings for individuals with diverse abilities.

5. Explain issues of accessibility to healthcare services and access to physical activity and sports in Ireland as compared to similar services in the U.S.

6. Consider the ways that culture, advocacy, and public policy can be a driving force for occupational and physical activity participation, and how these issues affect climate and environmental justice for individuals with disabilities.

7. Make distinctions between the differences in licensure and practice between healthcare providers (e.g. occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and physical therapy) in Ireland.

8. Outline the process followed by therapy and rehabilitation clinics in Ireland from intake to care, to discharge and follow-up. Identify key similarities and differences in processes between Ireland and the U.S.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Preference is given to students in the School of Education (all majors).  Further preference is given to students with a declared Kinesiology major.  Preference may be given to students with a declared Kinesiology certificate. 
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Kinesiology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer 2028: June (2 weeks online, 2 weeks in Ireland)

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2027 - [Suspended] 2/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

You will receive 3 credits of Kinesiology 260 upon successful completion of the program.

Upon returning from Ireland, you will also have the option to enroll in a 6-week summer session of Kines 225 (1 credit), which is a “hands-on” service-learning practicum in the Kinesiology Department’s Adapted Fitness Program. The 6-week practicum will take place in Madison, Wisconsin in the Conway Adapted Fitness Gym at the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center. Participation in the Adapted Fitness practicum will give you an opportunity to immediately apply the knowledge you gained during your study abroad experience.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents