Paralympics: How it benefits everyone!
Organizing activities such as the Paralympic School Day:
Paralympic School Day is an educational program that was launched from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The educational objectives of the IPC incorporate Paralympic ideals and values carried out through educational activities that create awareness and understanding towards people with disabilities. According to the IPC, the purpose of Paralympic education is achieved through the following:
- Increasing knowledge and awareness of Paralympic sports
- In depth understanding of the practical application of inclusion in physical education and activity
- Raising awareness of the different concepts in Paralympic sports
- Using the Paralympics for reverse inclusion
- Changing perceptions and attitudes towards people with disabilities
- Promoting scientific research activities and studies on Paralympic education
How to promote inclusion:
Inclusive physical education is beneficial for all students. Students with disabilities gain valuable social skills when they participate in inclusive education environments. They are also provided with more opportunities to participate in age-appropriate physical activities in an inclusive environment. Often, the higher expectations of the environment lead children with disabilities to achieve more, gain confidence and develop self-esteem. On the other hand, the rest students also have many benefits from inclusion. They interact with children with disabilities, they learn to have empathy, be more understanding and develop more positive attitudes towards others without making any exceptions.
Creating compassion:
Those students are less likely to see disability as a weakness and more likely to see it simply as a difference and therefore they will accept it more easily. Also, the opportunity they have to become teachers themselves helps them create cognitive and emotional development. As for those who are being concerned that some students are “left behind” in inclusive education, research answers that there is no evidence whatsoever that they lose academic or social skills as a result of inclusion. So, all the evidence points to a win-win situation for all students. The teacher’s goal should be to help students reach their full potential. An inclusive environment will support their journey through this goal. By focusing on core values such as respect, acceptance and collaboration teachers will help all students realize their own potential and skills.
If you are a teacher the following will help you create a more inclusive environment:
- Talk to your class openly about inclusion. You’ll see that students will be curious and enthusiastic
- Remember that “person” comes first. Focus on strengths, not weaknesses
- Get to know your students. A great teacher always knows some extra stuff about their students
- Ask the experts for consultation. None is born ready, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Adapt your activities according to your students. It is more fun this way and it helps the whole process.
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