ABSTRACT VIEW
INCLUSIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES IN ESPORTS: EMPOWERING ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES
A. Magnanini1, F. Vicentini1, A. Fazio1, R. Mura1, G. Portaluri1, E. Isidori2
1 University of Rome Foro Italico (ITALY)
2 University of Rome Foro Italico and CEFAR Nado, Italy (ITALY)
The growing prominence of esports as a competitive and professional field has sparked an increasing focus on accessibility and inclusion for athletes with disabilities. While esports eliminate many physical barriers inherent in traditional sports, disabled athletes still encounter challenges related to cognitive processing, motor coordination, and adaptive learning. This study explores the role of inclusive learning strategies in optimizing the training and performance of disabled esports athletes.

Through qualitative analysis of case studies from specialized esports training programs, this research identifies the most effective pedagogical approaches to fostering skill development and competitive engagement. Strategies such as differentiated instruction, metacognitive training, and adaptive coaching techniques are examined for their capacity to enhance cognitive flexibility, strategic thinking, and self-regulation. These methods not only support individualized learning pathways but also contribute to the broader goal of equity in competitive gaming environments.

Findings indicate that tailored educational interventions significantly improve athletes’ cognitive adaptability, decision-making speed, and self-awareness, which are crucial for success in high-pressure gaming scenarios. Moreover, the implementation of structured learning frameworks designed to accommodate diverse needs fosters greater retention in training programs and enhances long-term engagement with esports. The study also highlights the importance of integrating technological innovations, such as assistive gaming tools and AI-driven training programs, to further customize learning experiences for athletes with different types of disabilities.

As the esports industry continues to evolve, there is a pressing need for further research on scalable inclusive training models that address a wider spectrum of disabilities. Future studies should explore interdisciplinary collaborations between educators, game developers, and accessibility advocates to ensure that e-sports remains an inclusive and empowering platform for all athletes.

Keywords: Esports, disability, inclusive learning, cognitive adaptability, adaptive training, assistive technologies.

Event: EDULEARN25
Track: Assessment, Mentoring & Student Support
Session: Student Support & Motivation
Session type: VIRTUAL