Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Türkiye Klinikleri Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, cilt.16, sa.1, ss.61-70, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
Objective: In media and in many areas, the use of signs/symbols are promoted to indicate the accessibility of those fa- cilities. It is important for the society, including athletes, to raise awareness about the meaning and significance of those signs/sym- bols. Therefore, this study seeks to understand professional athletes’ knowledge about and awareness of the signs/symbols designed and used for accessibility. Material and Methods: A descriptive research model was used to gather data from 124 professional athletes. A sur- vey questionnaire including demographic information as well as open-ended questions, such as ‘whether the accessibility symbol was seen or not? if so, where? and what would be done to improve aware- ness about accessibility symbols?’, was conducted.Results: Although ‘yellow tactile pavement for the blind’ was most seen (n=117), ‘in- ternational symbol of accessibility’ was the most known (n=101) and understandable (n=103) accessibility sign/symbol. On the other hand, ‘active international symbol of accessibility’ was reported as the least seen (n=11), known (n= 12) and understandable (n=24) sign/symbol among all accessibility signs/symbols. Athletes emphasized the im- portance of raising awareness via internet, social media and tv. Only a few athletes mentioned that they have seen some accessibility signs/ symbols in sport related areas. Conclusion: Result revealed that knowledge and awareness of athletes practicing sports in different branches about accessibility signs/symbols were not sufficient. More accessibility signs/symbols should be used in sports-related areas to emphasize that services in sports facilities are inclusive of all indi- viduals, and that the media should promote awareness of these ac- cessibility signs/symbols.