The Paralympic movement is gearing up for the Paris 2024 Games, where over 4000 athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments will be showcasing their talents across 22 sports. While this is a commendable display of inclusivity and athleticism, some critics are pointing out the need for greater representation of the disability community within the movement.
Despite the progress made in recent years, there is still a lack of diversity in terms of the types of disabilities represented in the Paralympic Games. The focus tends to be on physical impairments, leaving those with visual and intellectual disabilities feeling marginalized and underrepresented.
Furthermore, there is a need for greater visibility and recognition of athletes with disabilities outside of the Paralympic Games. The media often fails to cover their stories and achievements, perpetuating stereotypes and further marginalizing this community.
In order to truly embody the spirit of inclusivity and represent the full spectrum of disabilities, the Paralympic movement needs to work harder at amplifying the voices and stories of all athletes with disabilities. By doing so, they can inspire and empower individuals within the disability community, while also challenging societal perceptions and breaking down barriers to inclusion.
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Video “Accessibility: ‘Paralympic movement needs to work harder at representation of disability community'” was uploaded on 08/30/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English