The role of new media in integrating athletes with special needs into society

Abstract

The study included an introduction and a statement of the importance of new media, which is an extension of the scientific revolution in the field of communications. It utilizes the internet and social media to broadcast news and diverse content across electronic platforms. New media is characterized by its accessibility and speed, allowing individuals to follow events live and interact with them through comments and participation in blogs, video platforms, and social media. Among the individuals affected by and participating in new media are people with disabilities, including those with physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological, or educational impairments. The study's problem lies in the fact that athletes with disabilities have numerous issues, requirements, and needs that are addressed through limited methods and volunteer work, despite the existence of many laws. These issues include the inability to integrate into society and the lack of sufficient media attention, despite their many Arab, Asian, and international achievements.

The research objectives focused on developing and designing a scale to measure the role of new media in the integration of people with disabilities into society. The researchers identified the importance of this role in social integration and employed a descriptive survey methodology, deemed most suitable for the research objectives and the nature of the problem. The research population consisted of workers, athletes, and supervisors of people with disabilities in Iraq. A purposive sample of 895 individuals was selected, divided into three groups: a pilot study sample of 22 individuals, a construct sample of 254 individuals, and a final application sample of 223 individuals.