Physical Activity and Special Abilities: allies for a more inclusive world.

 

People living with cognitive or physical challenges are among us, although they are often unnoticed. Paying close attention, we will discover that someone we know, knows someone living with a chronic/ rare condition. It can either be our neighbor, her sister, a cousin or our best friend. Also, invisible diseases add up to the total count of conditions leading to disabilities.  And finally, those who have suffered a brain injury, a car or work accident, make also part of a big family, living a full life but with specific adaptations.

Its widely recognized that the practice of regular physical activity brings many benefits to individuals, on the physical, emotional and even the spiritual sphere. The same applies for people living with disabilities.

Nowadays, there is an enormous amount of activities to be chosen by any regular sport lover: from running to gymnastics, from ball to water or winter sports, it seems to be there is something for everyone. However, its not the same for people living with disabilities for different reasons: low to no offer, lack of accessibility, high cost, or unprepared staff.

However, we are starting to experience a certain shift in this pattern. Some sport clubs or Academies are very slowly walking the pathway for the inclusion of kids with special needs. Perhaps a better, more comprehensive, inclusive future will come ahead of us. Let’s talk a little bit about it.

One of the advantages to open a class for special needs in any educational setting, is that it creates the need for the staff to be trained for it. Often starting with low to no experience, and learning from mistakes, staff will soon feel the need for a better preparation.  From there, perhaps some sparks will emerge for coaches willing to dedicate their careers to adapted sport, creating a long lasting and valuable human resource, with a multiplying effect.

Another big point for inclusive classes is that parents and kids become more familiar with different realities, and most probably more willing to help, support and learn. Kids don’t see disabilities as we do. They have their own way to adapt and continue playing with their friends. Therefore, putting kids with/without disabilities together only increases our possibilities to develop more respectful and empathetic relationships.

In an often-forgotten perspective, activities for kids with special abilities represent a breathing moment for a mom or a dad: an opportunity for a coffee, or for just a well-deserved moment of disconnection, in order to recharge and continue the daily routine. That makes part of mental health for caregivers. Also, during classes, parents talk to other relatives, opening possibilities for information exchange regarding services, support groups and similar social activities. Therefore, inclusion happens not only between students, but also between families.

Most of the time we forget that sports and physical activity have a social function: by training and educating the child today, you have the opportunity to create the men and women of tomorrow. They will be all responsible for building a more comprehensive, caring and morally committed world. Inclusive sports are certainly a powerful resource for that.

By Silvia Brandt

MPH/ Public Health Specialist