By: Graham Groseclose PRT 152

"To provide the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through participation in sports, recreation and related educational programs."

Overview People with disabilities face major limitations when it comes to participating in sport and physical activity. The limitations for people with disabilities make it difficult for organizations to provide sports and activity programs. Activity for the disabled could provide positive health and well-being and social inclusion.

Facts People living with a disability face major barriers that limit their access and participation in recreation and physical activity. The World Health Organization estimates that 650 million people live with some kind of a disability. Most of these people have limited access, if any, to basic services; including recreational facilities. Studies have shown that disabled people sometimes might encounter depression and other anxiety disorders.

The Role of Sport and Activity for People with Disabilities Over the past three years, research has developed a great deal in the area of disability sport. Studies have proved the obvious; that physical activity and participation in sport provides improved functional status and an overall improvement in quality of life for those with disabilities. Physical activity for disabled people has been known to improve their general mood and outlook on life. Sport and physical activity has been linked to improvements in self-confidence, social awareness, and self-esteem and can contribute to the physical and mental strength of people with disabilities.

Some Barriers Include: Attitude towards disability Traditional and religious beliefs Physical Education Systems Access to sporting infrastructures -Facilities -Equipment

A Brief History People with disabilities participated in sport as early as the 18 th and 19 th century. World War II impacted the development of disability sport and it was during this time period that the Paralympics were born.

The Paralympics Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized a sporting competition for veterans of WWII in These games rapidly developed and by 1948, became the Stokes Mandeville Games. The Stokes Mandeville Games eventually expanded into the Paralympics in The first Paralympics were held in Sweden.

International Silent Games The earliest International Silent Games were held in Mr Eugene Rubens-Alcais of France and Mr Antoine Dresse of Belgium were credited with the creation of the Silent Games. -The Silent games have taken place every four years since then with the exception of the WWII time period.

Challenges Equipment -throwing frames for athletes, crutches, sport-specific wheelchairs, etc. Technology -prosthetic devices Cost Access

What is being done? Disabled Sport USA -A non-profit organization -Offers rehab programs to people with a permanent disability. -Winter skiing, water sports, summer and winter competitions, fitness and special sports events are some of the events offered through this organization.

Continued… One project is underway to provide a low- cost universal sports wheelchair for developing countries. Many games and activities are being designed or adapted to require minimal or no equipment.

Works Cited ort_and_disability2/index.cfm?gclid=CJ62 2Onux5UCFQpzHgodnUzviQhttp:// ort_and_disability2/index.cfm?gclid=CJ62 2Onux5UCFQpzHgodnUzviQ Sections_Menu/index.htmlhttp:// Sections_Menu/index.html