Advancing Knowledge. Empowering Communities.

At Adaptive Athletics at the University of Houston, research is a cornerstone of our mission. We engage in innovative, interdisciplinary studies that explore disability sport from multiple perspectives—including health, performance, inclusion, and community impact. Our research examines how adaptive sports are promoted and experienced, and how they shape the lives of athletes with disabilities in both recreational and elite settings.

Funding for such research has been received from the NCAA, TIRR Memorial Hermann, The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Key Research Focus Areas

Our projects span a wide range of topics, including:

• Promotion and Marketing of adaptive and disability sport

• Community engagement and athlete well-being

• Sport participation as a lens for understanding disability and inclusion

• Healthcare models and support systems for athletes with disabilities

• Event accessibility, media representation, and social perceptions of disability sport

Many of our studies are supported by competitive grants, while others are conducted in collaboration with students, athletes, and faculty as part of our program’s educational mission.

Student Research Opportunities

Undergraduate and graduate students play a critical role in our research. Whether assisting with study design, data collection, or community engagement, students gain real-world experience that contributes to meaningful scholarship and service.

If you're a student interested in getting involved, or…

Interested in a Ph.D. with an Emphasis in Disability Sport?

The University of Houston offers doctoral opportunities for students who wish to focus their research on disability sport, community health, adaptive performance, and inclusion.

To learn more about participating in research or pursuing a Ph.D. in this field, please contact: Dr. Michael Cottingham

Want to learn more or get involved?

Whether you’re a student, researcher, or community member, we invite you to connect with us and help shape the future of adaptive athletics.