Effect of Service-Learning Physical Activity Programs on Kinesiology Students' Attitudes Toward People With Disabilities.

This article examines the impact of a 10-week in-person versus virtual service-learning (SL) program on Kinesiology (KIN) students' attitudes toward people with disabilities (PWD). Using the Attitudes Toward Disabled Person (ATDP) scale, the study found that students participating in the in-person SL program showed a significant improvement in positive attitudes toward PWD, while those in the virtual SL program did not demonstrate significant changes. The findings suggest that direct, hands-on interaction in in-person SL experiences may be more effective in fostering empathy, confidence, and inclusive attitudes among future health and fitness professionals. The study highlights the importance of incorporating in-person SL programs focused on PWD within KIN curricula to better prepare students for working with this population. Limitations include the single-institution setting during the COVID-19 pandemic and variability in students’ prior experience and instructor delivery.