Author: Jennifer Mooradian, Doctoral Candidate, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Sport Management, Brock University

The increased media coverage of the Paralympic Games makes Paralympic sport seem “inclusive.” But, the continued reliance on segregated sport and narrowly defined classification categories suggests ableism remains. For example, some intellectually and cognitively disabled athletes are excluded. This implies that elite competition and inclusive sport may be incompatible. Intellectual impairment is one of the Paralympics’ 10 classifications of eligible impairment types. But not all cognitive and intellectual disabilities are the same. While some may result in a lower IQ, others can affect both the body and mind. For example, athletes with Down syndrome may cross multiple classifications. They can…