Disability

The idea of people with disabilities participating in sports and physical activities is not uncommon today. In many countries, people with disabilities, from grassroots to elite levels, have opportunities to demonstrate their abilities in sports and physical activity. However, this is not the case in all regions of the world. Although 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.

Persons with disabilities in developing countries face major barriers that limit their ability to access and participate in sport and physical activity. In the context of development, these barriers affect both: (a) the creation of activity pathways for persons with disabilities and (b) the use of sport and physical activity programmes to achieve goals.

The World Health Organization estimates that 650 million people live with some form of disability, and this number is increasing due to chronic diseases, injuries, car accidents, falls, violence and other causes such as aging. Of this total, 80% live in low-income countries; most are poor and have limited or no access to basic services, including rehabilitation.

This rise in disability, particularly in developing countries, threatens to place additional burdens on governments and health care systems. Sport can be an effective and inexpensive way to promote positive health and well-being, social inclusion, and strengthen communities with disabilities.

Image from sportanddev.org