by Handicap International


C 28 iAM


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onsidering people with disabilities makeup 15% of the world population and are referred to as the ‘biggest minority’, it is time for development actors to incorporate


more inclusive programming. Not only should the focus be on health and education programs, there needs to be more of a consideration for promoting social inclusion of persons with disabilities, who greatly desire a sense of belonging and community.


One powerful vehicle to social inclusion, often over- looked, is sporting activities. There is a prevailing stereotype around people with disabilities as frail, vulnerable and unable. What better way to shatter this stereotype than to showcase their physical and mental abilities through sports? Sports are a catalyst to social inclusion. Inclusive sports not only change an outsiders


perceptions on people with disabilities, it also gives equal access to everyone to the joys and benefits of sports. Sports can be adapted for everyone, whatever their ability and desired level, and can be practiced individually or collectively. Participating in sports can promote universal values such as solidarity, mutual support, social cohesion, self-esteem, and exchange, which often are prerequisite for inclusion in other areas, such as education, work, and health initiatives.


// Handicap International is an international federation specialized in the field of disability. Non-governmental, non-religious, non-political and non-profit making, we work alongside people with disabilities, whatever the context, offering them assistance and supporting them in their efforts to become self-reliant. Since our creation, we have set up programs in approximately 60 countries and intervened in different types of contexts, including conflict, emergency, chronic crisis and development. We have a network of eight national associations, Canada being one of them.


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