Early access benefits children too, not just athletes

Our society is familiar with the incredible images of para-athletes racing down the stadium track in state-of-the-art wheelchairs, or prosthetic legs designed specifically for running. These specialised assistive products differ from athletes’ everyday products, and research shows early access to recreational and sporting assistive products plays a crucial role in human development and social connection.

For young people with disabilities, this early exposure can be the key to participating in age-appropriate activities, achieving the recommended daily physical activity goals, and potentially excelling in elite sports.

Beyond such ambitious targets, early access also enables equitable childhood development. Early assistive technology access is vital for skill development, age-appropriate risk-taking, confidence building, and the fostering of a passion for recreational pursuits, including sport.

Children who receive the right support early on are more likely to be enabled to participate in sporting pursuits and—for some—develop into Paralympians.

Programs targeting young athletes must prioritise access to effective assistive products. If Australia is to enact the Australian Disability Strategy policy priority of access to assistive technology, collaboration will be required between people who use assistive technology, schools, community sports programs, local clubs, and government and sporting institutes to identify talent and provide necessary resources.

This holistic approach will better-ensure financial background and social capital doesn’t hinder the development of future Paralympic athletes.

Case study: What Australia is doing

Australia has more than 100 assistive technology funding schemes, across state, territory and federal jurisdictions. These schemes differ in eligibility, the assistive products they cover, and funding limits, often focusing on products that support safety and independence at home rather than participation in recreation and sport.

While the National Disability Insurance Scheme may fund sporting assistive technology, the scheme is only available to a small percentage of Australians with disability. To address this gap, the Australian government has announced an investment in an assistive technology hire and reissue pilot, commencing in Tasmania and South Australia, making sports and other assistive products more accessible. This initiative could positively impact access to sporting assistive technology for people of all ages who might otherwise be unable to access or afford them.

Other exciting support for Australia’s para-athletes has been announced, including that West Australian para-athletes competing in the Paralympic Games in France will be supported by the WA government's $AU270,000 direct payment scheme.

Australia—with its strong support systems and commitment to Paralympic sports—can show the rest of the world the way, by ensuring all assistive technology users, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to compete on an even playing field. As a high-income country with incredible sporting resources, Australia is also well-placed to lead international collaboration.

The future of the Paralympics and assistive technolog

The Paralympic Games celebrate the triumph of the human spirit, the boundless potential of athletes with disabilities, and the power of assistive products and services. However, to truly uphold the values of fairness and equality, it’s imperative to address the issue of unequal access to assistive technology.

Countries need to work together to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and assistive technology. This could involve sharing best practices, pooling resources, and establishing international funds to support athletes from less privileged backgrounds

Through continued investment in early access to assistive technology, and a collaborative approach, we can ensure the Paralympic movement remains a beacon of sporting competition for all.

Louise Puli is a PhD Candidate, Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University.

Associate Professor Libby Callaway leads the  Independent Living Stream, Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash.

Dr Christina Ekegren is a senior research fellow within the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre at Monash University. Her research focuses on physical activity in clinical populations, specifically hospitalised patients, older adults, and people recovering from traumatic injury.

Dr Natasha Layton is a senior research fellow in the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University.

This article was co-authored with Dr Lisa Chaffey, a former Paralympian and experienced occupational therapist with expertise in disability advocacy, community development, occupational therapy, and sports management.

This article originally appeared in Lens. Published under Creative Commons by 360info™.

NOW READ

More than a sporting event, the Paralympics helps create a more equitable world

Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni on his inspiration for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics poster, and the small details you might have missed

In pictures: Paralympics Games Paris 2024's opening ceremony