Social barriers and discrimination against people with disabilities are common in many societies. The stigma associated with disability generally excludes people with disabilities from education, employment, and community life, denying them critical opportunities for social development, health, and well-being.
Often, people with disabilities experience restricted mobility because they are seen as dependent and incapable in some societies, thus fostering inactivity.
Participation in sport has been shown to improve self-esteem, social awareness, and empowerment among people with disabilities. A number of local organisations offer assistance with disability sports.
A person with a disability can be stigmatised and discriminated against because of their disability. However, sport can help reduce that stigma and discrimination by elevating their skills and reducing the tendency to look only at their disability.
As a result of participating in sport, persons without disabilities interact positively with persons with disabilities, forcing them to reshape their assumptions about what persons with disabilities are capable of.
Despite positive improvements in the quality of life for people with disabilities in many developed countries, these improvements are not reflected in developing nations.
Sports empower people with disabilities to realize their full potential and advocate for changes in society. By participating in sport, people with disabilities gain social skills, develop independence, and become agents of change.
The sport environment teaches individuals how to communicate effectively, work together, and respect one another. As a result of helping persons with disabilities gain physical and mental strength through sport, sports are also well suited for reducing dependence and developing independence.
In addition to building self-sufficiency, these skills can be transferred to other arenas, such as employment and advocacy.
