Blog #5: Technology in Sports

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 purchase adaptive technology for athletes in order for them to compete. This article can further explain the costs and break down the expenses LINK

The question of whether athletes who use adaptive technology, such as running blades or prosthetic limbs, should be allowed to compete in able-bodied sporting events is a debate. As the world of sports becomes more inclusive, it's vital to consider the benefits of allowing these athletes to compete alongside able-bodied competitors. I support the inclusion of athletes using adaptive technology in such events, as it promotes fairness, inclusivity, and innovation, and helps break down barriers. 

I don't think using adaptive technology puts disabled athletes at an advantage but allows them to compete with able-bodied athletes. Allowing athletes with adaptive technology to compete in able-bodied events ensures fair competition. These athletes use technology to help them perform at their best, but this doesn’t automatically give them an advantage. Their skills, dedication, and training are what ultimately determine their success, just as it is for able-bodied athletes. Adaptive technology simply levels the playing field and allows these athletes to compete equally. 

Athletes who use adaptive technology in able-bodied events promote inclusivity. It sends a message that sports should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. By allowing these athletes to compete with able-bodied individuals, we show that all athletes, regardless of their background or physical condition, deserve the opportunity to showcase their talents on the world stage. Allowing athletes to use adaptive technology to compete in able-bodied events helps break down the divide between disabled and able-bodied athletes. It fosters an environment where everyone is valued for their effort and skill, regardless of their physical condition. This integration helps to reduce the social and psychological barriers that often separate these groups.

I believe that athletes using adaptive technology should be allowed to compete in able-bodied sporting events. It promotes fairness, inclusivity, and innovation, while also helping to break down barriers between athletes with and without disabilities. By embracing adaptive technology, we can create a more equitable and united sports environment for all. I don't think using adaptive technology gives disabled athletes an advantage, but levels out the playing field at allows them to compete. 

Sources: 

Disability Credit Canada. (2016, September 15). How Paralympics are bringing able-bodied and disabled athletes together. Disability Credit Canada. Retrieved from https://www.disabilitycreditcanada.com/paralympics-able-bodied-athletes/

National Disability Insurance Scheme. (n.d.). Assistive technology explained. National Disability Insurance Scheme. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained