Disability and Sports Blog

I think that the Special Olympics should remain separate from the Paralympics because they are both unique in their own ways and they allow those with physical disabilities and intellectual disabilities to shine in their own ways. The Special Olympics has a distinct purpose to make fair games for those with intellectual disabilities especially those with autism and Down syndrome. This allows them to stand out with their abilities and gives them the help they need. While the Paralympics are athletes who just have physical disabilities and do not struggle with intellectual disabilities. Keeping them separate will let both Olympics shine in their own way. Keeping them separate also will allow them to gain the attention and media attention that they both deserve. The Paralympics is “ a series of international contests for athletes with disabilities that are associated with and held following the summer and winter Olympic Games ” (Miriam Webster). The Paralympic Games are for athletes w...

When teams are banned from participating in the Paralympics it is usually because they aren’t following the set rules. Russia has been banned because they have been caught a few times using drugs to boost performance. This goes against the rules of fair competition and Russia has been banned from keeping the games fair. Russia was also banned because it invaded Ukraine. This made other countries very angry and they did not want them involved in big sporting events. Belarus is also excluded from participating in the Paralympics because of its association with Russia. People think that it is not fair to have Belarus to be able to participate either. Click this LINK to learn the history of the International Paralympic Committee!! The IPC is the International Paralympic Committee. This committee is in charge of the games and oversees and organizes the event. Their role is to make sure that every country is following the rules, games are on schedule, and that safety is highly ensured. They...

When it comes to the discussion of whether or not all athletes with any type of disability should be allowed to be classified for every sport it is something that receives mixed reviews. All athletes should be able to compete and face challenges when it comes to competing in sports. In my opinion, the safety of whether or not they can compete comes first as well. That is the whole point of competing, being able to face challenges, overcome diversity, and be resilient.  Every sport presents challenges that a disabled athlete may not be able to meet. As the International Paralympic Committee states, “ Different sports require athletes to perform different activities, such as: sprinting, propelling a wheelchair, rowing and shooting. As sports require different activities, the impact of the impairment on each sport also differs. Therefore, for classification to minimize the impact of impairment on sport performance, classification must be sport specific”( Wheel Power ). In other terms...

The medical model of disability views disability solely as a result of an individual's physical impairment. It focuses on "fixing" the individual through medical interventions, aiming to cure or manage the impairment. In contrast, the biopsychosocial model of disability takes a broader approach by considering not just medical aspects, but also psychological and social factors that influence a person's experience with disability. There are several key differences between these models. The medical model emphasizes individual impairment as the central issue, often overlooking the role of external factors. On the other hand, the biopsychosocial model acknowledges the interplay of biological, psychological, and social influences. Additionally, while the medical model does not account for environmental factors, the biopsychosocial model places significant importance on how environmental and social barriers affect individuals with disabilities. The medical model of disabil...

I think that athletes should be allowed to use adaptive technology in sports because it helps athletes with disabilities compete at a high level. The technology they are using is helping people with physical disabilities to compete and participate in sports. On the other end nations who can't afford the technology will deeply struggle due to the expenses of the technology. Because many of these nations can't afford the equipment it creates an advantage for the athletes that are competing for the wealthier nations. I believe that if one nation is allowed to use technology then all of them should have it accessible and provided for all athletes for a fair competitive game.  The adaptive technology in sports is broken down in costs...  - Low-cost assistive technology: under $1,500 per item - Mid-cost assistive technology: between $1,500 and $15,000 per it - High-cost assistive technology: over $15,000 per item. This will help better understand how much funding you may need to pur...

I think in order to increase media coverage of the Paralympics and other disabled sports requires strategic planning and commitment to inclusivity, visibility, and accessibility. One of the first steps is securing partnerships with major networks well in advance. This will guarantee broadcast slots before these events take place, and the Paralympics and other disabled sports can ensure they receive proper exposure. Early planning ensures global access, allowing people from around the world to tune in and support the athletes competing.  To draw more attention, the media should highlight specific athletes by focusing on their personal stories and achievements. Sharing how they reached their current level of success through hard work, dedication, and overcoming challenges makes the events more relatable and inspiring. These human-interest stories also help audiences connect with the athletes beyond their sports, showcasing their diversity and individuality. Additionally, broadcasts...