Paralympic Schools Program - Inequity and Inclusion

Do you have a classmate who uses a wheelchair? Do you have a friend who is blind? If you do, then you may know a future Paralympian.

These days, athletes with disabilities have a greater number of opportunities to take part in sports than ever before. Athletes with disabilities often belong to the same organizations and participate in the same events as their able-bodied teammates and classmates. This is called inclusion. Inclusion is the practice of including all people. It means considering the wide spectrum of needs, interests and abilities of everyone in your community and providing opportunities for all to participate.

The outcome of the move to inclusion is equity. Equity is a right that all people have. In physical activity and sport competition equity is about fairness and accessibility. This means that regardless of sex, race, religion, or level of ability; all people should have equal access and be given the chance to participate in all sports and recreational activities.

Alison Kabush

“An inclusive physical education environment is one which provides the opportunity for students of all abilities and interests to participate in physical education. Inclusive physical education recognizes the inherent value of each student; the right to take risks and make mistakes; the need for independence and self-determination; and the right to choice.” (Source: Maximizing Opportunities for Students with a Disability – An introduction, Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability, 1994).