What is a Disability?

A disability is a condition that an individual can develop or be born with, which limits their ability to perform daily tasks. Disabilities can vary as they can be invisible or visible, ranging from mild to severe (24 hour home care).

Visible vs Invisible Disabilities:

Visible disabilities are physical disabilities that are apparent to others (i.e. someone in a wheelchair). In contrast, invisible disabilities are less obvious and are often noticeable when performing daily tasks (i.e. reading and walking). A well-known invisible physical disability is muscular dystrophy.  Invisible disabilities can typically be mental, physical, cognitive, and psychological (24 hour home care). 

Types of disabilities

Cognitive Disability: Impacts a person’s ability to process and recall information, make decisions, think critically, etc. An example of a Cognitive Disability is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which can affect cognitive development and lead to difficulties in learning and memory (Mattson et al., n.d.). Another example of this is dementia which impacts an individual’s ability to remember things (National Library of Medicine, n.d.). Additionally, Down Syndrome is a cognitive disability that affects intellectual functioning and can influence learning and adaptive behaviour throughout a person's life  (Neuro Launch, 2024).     

Psychological Disability: Stems from mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which can significantly limit one’s ability to engage in everyday activities, complete tasks, and social interactions (National Disability Services, n.d.). 

Physical disability: Impacts a person’s mobility, stamina, and physical capacity, affecting their ability to perform daily tasks, such as walking and running. Physical disabilities can arise in different ways including paralysis, muscle weakness, and pain. Examples of physical disabilities include neuromuscular diseases, chronic pain, visual impairment, and cerebral palsy (National Disability Services, n.d.).

Disability inclusion in sports

Individuals with disabilities are often presented with less opportunities to participate in sports due to stereotypes, lack of accessibility, and safety risks. However, various sports organisations are dedicated to promoting inclusion for people with disabilities in sports, such as the Paralympics, Morgan’s world sports lead, The halberg organisation, and Move for life dance school.

Paralympics

The Paralympics is often referred to as the equivalent of the Olympic Games for athletes with disabilities. This organisation originated at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital (near London) in 1944 as a response to the British Government’s request to open a new rehabilitation center for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Dr Guttmann (a renowned doctor and surgeon) decided to incorporate sports as a means to rehabilitate and reintegrate patients into society. In 1946, the first ever wheelchair basketball team "The Flying Chairs" was formed in the US, leading Dr Guttmann to hold a sports event at the Stoke Mandeville hospital during the opening date of the London Olympic Games on July 28th 1948. This event had a significant impact on the sporting world, in which the games turned into an annual event, increasing in fame and participation over the years, with 1952 being the first year this event was held internationally. In 1960, the Stoke Mandeville Games were held in Rome, during the same time as the Olympics. Since then, the Stoke Mandeville Games have been known as the "Paralympics" and have been held every four years concurrently with the Olympics. The Paralympics have had a positive impact on the disabled community by highlighting the potential and skill those with disabilities have (International Paralympic Committee, n.d)

Morgans wonderland sports

Morgan’s Wonderland is an international organisation focused on creating an inclusive environment for both disabled and those without disabilities. The idea for this organisation came to light in 2006 when founder Gordon Hartmen watched his daughter, Morgan, struggling to interact with other children at a hotel. Since then, Gorden made it his goal to create inclusive opportunities and environments for both disabled people and abled people to engage with one another. On April 10th 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland became the world’s first theme park designed for individuals with special needs. Morgan’s Wonderland has opened many branches aimed to give people with disabilities opportunities including participating in sports (Morgan’s inclusive sports league). This is aimed at people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in sports, such as pickleball (all ages), soccer (aged 9-17), and basketball (aged 9-17) with Spurs Sports academy. The League aims to give people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to compete, build their skills, and enjoy themselves. (Morgans Wonderland, 2023)

The Halberg organisation

The Halberg organisation was founded by Murray Halberg in 1963 to give disabled people the opportunity to compete/participate in sports games they may not have access to elsewhere. This organisation started off as 'Murray Halberg Trust for Crippled Children' in 1963 which then expanded in 1970 to acquire Hendry House, a fully accessible holiday home for disabled children and their families. In 1995, the trust employed its first CEO who launched the after school program "Halberg Sports" for disabled children. In 2015, the first Halberg games were held, and in 2023, the Halberg foundation rebranded itself to better reflect its mission of providing equal sports opportunities for children with physical disabilities. Every year, New Zealand hosts the Halberg Games at King’s College, which takes place over 3 days. Participants can choose to camp at the school for two nights or to attend only during the day and is an amazing opportunity to participate and learn about others with disabilities (Landells, n.d.).

Move for life

Move for life is a Hong Kong based dance school for children aged 2-12 with the belief that "every child is born with boundless potential waiting to be unlocked." This organisation was co-founded by three passionate professional dancers with over a decade of dance experience: Joshua Keefe, Declan Taylor, and Victories Akhurst. They offer a unique dance approach that focuses on emotional, social, and physical intelligence, while empowering children with important life skills. Move for life's programs have reached 20 schools around Hong Kong with their holiday camps. Additionally, Move for life teaches a range of dances from ballroom to hip hop as it helps the children find what dance styles suit them best (Move For Life, n.d.).

Conclusion

Society benefits when people with disabilities are included and accepted.  Understanding the challenges people face and finding meaningful ways for everyone to be involved can benefit everyone.Making sports available for people with disabilities can be challenging, but is important. People with disabilities can achieve great things if given the right opportunities and resources. These organisations are making it possible for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports that they may not otherwise have the access to, providing an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for learning and growth. These organisations, along with other media platforms and organisations are working together to provide a better world for people with disabilities, allowing them to make meaningful change.   To learn more about life with disabilities and news, be sure to check out Cripple Media! You can be an advocate through educating yourself, looking at ways to adapt environments for inclusion, showing understanding, speaking up when something needs to cahnge, and always being open to new ways of thinking.

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