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Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Gretchen A. Jessel

Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Gretchen A. Jessel


For the degree of

Doctor of Education
Interprofessional Leadership

Participation of K-12 Students with Disabilities in Extracurricular Activities: Parent and Guardian Perceptions & Experiences Regarding their Children's Extracurricular Participation

 

October 6, 2025
3:00 p.m.
Room 408 White Hall

Participation of K-12 Students with Disabilities in Extracurricular Activities: Parent and Guardian Perceptions & Experiences Regarding their Children's Extracurricular Participation

The purpose of this mixed methods embedded design study was to examine the perceptions and experiences of parents of students with disabilities regarding access to and participation in extracurricular activities. Specifically, the study explored how child, family, and activity factors influence opportunities for participation. Data were collected through a Likert-scale survey (N = 82) with open-ended responses at the end of each section to provide qualitative context.

Quantitative results indicated that the most common child-level barriers involved anxiety/confidence, communication, and cognitive needs, whereas vision, hearing, and medical concerns were least influential. At the family level, the overall means suggested relatively low concern; however, responses revealed a polarization of views around child independence, ADA rights awareness, and knowledge of suitable activities. Activity-level findings reflected positive perceptions of accessibility and welcoming environments, but lower agreement on staff training, adapted curricula, and opportunities for meaningful social inclusion. Group comparisons by disability severity, grade level, gender, and race/ethnicity revealed few statistically significant differences, though effect sizes suggested emerging trends.

Qualitative themes supported these findings by highlighting parental concerns regarding limited information, dependence on familiar adults, and inconsistent implementation of inclusive practices.

µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø the Candidate

Gretchen A. Jessel

M.A.T., Master in the Art of Teaching
Marygrove College, 2002

B.S., Physical Education
Kent State University, 1995

Gretchen has been a physical education teacher for 30 years in inner-city, suburban, and private schools, teaching students from kindergarten through middle school. She currently teaches first- and second-grade physical education, as well as K–12 adapted physical education, in her district. In addition to her teaching, she has worked with individuals with disabilities through Hattie Larlham, Portage Industries, Special Olympics, and PATH International at Field Stone Farms.

An active leader in her field, Gretchen has presented at local and state conferences and served as department head of the Aurora Physical Education Team for 10 years. She is a member of SHAPE America, OAHPERD, and PATH International. She has collaborated with Kent State University and the Northeast Ohio Education Association to mentor student teachers and provide professional training. A passionate advocate for physical and health literacy, Gretchen strives to ensure that every student participates fully, discovers their potential, and develops a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.

Doctoral Dissertation Committee

Director

Andrew Wiley, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services

Members

Nathan Stevenson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Special Education
College of Education, Health and Human Services

Maryann Devine, Ph.D.
Professor
Academic Affairs
Fellow, Academy of Leisure Sciences
Disability Studies & Community Inclusion Minor/Graduate Certificate Coordinator
Cultural Foundations/Recreation, Park & Tourism Management

Jennifer McCreight, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
College of Education, Health and Human Services

Graduate Faculty Representative

Karla Anhalt, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services