Use of Assistive Technology in the Paralympics

paraolympics from Ginger Creek Community Church on Vimeo.

The paralympics is an international sports event where athletes with physical disabilities compete.  Such disabilities include mobility disabilities, amputations, blindness and cerebral palsy. Those participating require technology similar to those participating in the Olympics.  As with any assistive technology, it must match the individual needs of the individual.  The goal must be clearly understood and then worked toward achieving.  In dealing with this competitive environment it is crucial to consider all aspects necessary in order to maximise performance and stay safe.  Some assistive technology used during the paralymics include light weight wheelchairs, prosthetic devices or rope tethers to name a few.

Through this video, one can see the true power of assistive technology and that is the ability to empower those that may not have have the opportunity to take part in such activities.  Those with disabilities no longer need to feel that the disability is holding them back from achieving their goals.  They are given the opportunity to live life.

I can not watch this video without thinking about how much freedom these individuals must feel when experiencing such activities. The freedom of movement must be incredible to leave a confining wheelchair to be  in the open water.