Disability

The participation of people with disabilities in sports and physical activity is common today. In many countries, they have opportunities, from the grassroots to the elite, to demonstrate their abilities in sports and physical activity. However, this is not the case in all regions of the world. While the quality of life of people with disabilities has seen progressive and positive changes in many developed countries, this progress is often not reflected in developing countries.

People with disabilities in developing countries face significant barriers that limit their access to and participation in sports and physical activity. In the context of development, these barriers affect: (a) the creation of activity pathways for people with disabilities, and (b) the use of sports and physical activity programs to achieve development goals.

The World Health Organization estimates that 650 million people live with some form of disability, and this number is increasing due to chronic illnesses, injuries, car accidents, falls, violence, and other factors such as aging. Eighty percent of these people live in low-income countries; most are poor and have limited or no access to basic services, including rehabilitation.

This increase in the number of people with disabilities, particularly in developing countries, threatens to place additional burdens on governments and healthcare systems. Sport can be an effective and cost-effective way to promote health and well-being, social inclusion, and the empowerment of communities with disabilities.

Image from sportanddev.org