Background/Purpose Researchers have used the life history methodology in physical education to investigate the lives of teachers, and more specifically, the dimensions of marginalization such as gender, subject status, and sexual orientation. However, one area that has not been chronicled is the life of a physical educator with a disability. The dimension of ableness in the life of a physical educator has not been adequately researched, and this study fills that void.
Method The participant was one female physical educator who uses a wheelchair. Data were collected through a series of semi-structured, interviews. The study used a life history methodology.
Analysis/Results Data were coded, categorized and key themes identified through qualitative methods including analytic induction and constant comparison. Central themes included inaccessibility, physical activity linked to injury, and the centrality of sport in her life.
Conclusions The participant experienced role conflict as well as marginalization based upon subject status, gender, and ableness. This study answered the question of previous research about whether ableness was another dimension of marginality. The results highlight the voice of one educator with a disability that may signal opportunities to similar would-be educators.