How the Paralympics help us see ability, not disability
Imagine standing on a world stage, surrounded by thousands of cheering fans, all celebrating the incredible athleticism of world class athletes. This is the Paralympics — a celebration of elite sport and the unwavering determination of athletes who have trained tirelessly and triumphed over adversity.
The Paralympics have profoundly shaped my life. Soon, I will attend my seventh Paralympic Games. During three of those games, I competed as an athlete, earning three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal. My athletic career has imparted invaluable lessons about being the best you can be, the importance of developing resilience, and the power of post traumatic growth. Each medal symbolizes not only personal and team accomplishments but also the ability to break barriers and challenge stereotypes.
In this blog, I want to help you see disability as a difference, not a deficit, and inspire a strengths-based approach to diversity and inclusion.
The power of the Paralympics
The Paralympics (Para meaning parallel to the Olympics) started as a small gathering of British World War II veterans in 1948 and has grown into one of the largest international sporting events. It's not just about competition — it’s about demonstrating the strength, determination, and brilliant abilities of athletes with disabilities/para-athletes.
Every race and every game are testaments to what we can achieve when we focus on our strengths. The Paralympics have shown the world that disability is not a limitation but a unique difference that brings out extraordinary capabilities.
My time with the Paralympics sparked my passion for showing how disability can be a strength, not a weakness. It also inspired me to teach others to see diversity and inclusion in a positive, strengths-focused way.
WeThe15 movement
WeThe15 is a groundbreaking global movement that emerged from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It aims to end discrimination and transform the lives of the world’s 1.2 billion people with disabilities, who represent 15% of the global population.
This initiative brings together a diverse group of people from sports, human rights, policy, business, arts, and entertainment. Just like the Paralympics, they work to:
Make sure disability is included in all diversity talks.
Create programs to help governments, businesses, and the public improve accessibility.
Break down societal and systemic obstacles that hold people with disabilities back.
Boost understanding and visibility of disability.
Emphasise that disability often comes from societal barriers, not just individual impairments.
Push for technology that makes inclusion easier for everyone.
The Paralympics have already done a fantastic job of changing how we view disability by showcasing the incredible talents of athletes. WeThe15 builds on this momentum by pushing for even greater societal change and visibility. Just like the Paralympics show strength and determination, WeThe15 ensures that people with disabilities are recognised and included in every part of life.
Seeing the work WeThe15 does to support people with disabilities inspired me to create 'The Golden Minority – Diversity’s Hidden Treasure.' With this, I want to show the hidden strengths and talents of people with disabilities that might not be immediately obvious.
We often think of diversity in terms of visible differences or racial minorities. But true inclusion also means valuing the things we can’t always see, like hidden disabilities. Did you know that in Australia 90% of disability is invisible?
The strengths-based approach to disability
From my experience in the Paralympics, I've seen firsthand how focusing on strengths can lead to amazing outcomes. A strengths-based approach points out what people do well rather than focusing on their limitations. This is a big shift from deficit-based thinking, which often gets stuck on what’s wrong instead of what’s right. Just as Paralympic athletes push boundaries by building on their strengths, we should celebrate and develop people’s talents and abilities.
In my presentations, I share my journey with Cerebral Palsy and show how focusing on hidden strengths can spark innovation and inclusivity. For years, I felt ashamed of my disability and went to great lengths to conceal it. However, the Paralympics and involvement in sports provided me with the tools and resources to not only accept my disability but to view it as my unique advantage.
Because of my CP, I take care of my self
Because of my CP, I have learnt to work hard and persevere
Because of my CP, I am an excellent problem solver
Because of my CP, I can see beauty and difference in people that others’ may not
In 2004, Professor Martin Seligman and Chris Peterson in 2004 created the VIA Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues, a classification of positive traits in human beings.
Character strengths, also known as values in action, are the positive aspects of your personality that influence how you think, feel, and behave. You can complete the VIA survey here and find out what your top 5-character strengths are.
When we recognise our own strengths, as well as the strengths of others, research shows we can enhance performance and satisfaction in both workplaces and communities. For example, Paralympic athletes achieve greatness by capitalising on their unique abilities. Similarly, when organisations concentrate on what their team members excel at, they often experience better results and have happier employees. Just as I have in my Paralympic journey, this approach enables individuals to overcome challenges by building on their innate skills.
By embracing a strengths-based approach, we can transform our view of disability and recognise the incredible potential in everyone, just as the Paralympics do.
I encourage you to read my blog 7 strategies to increase psychological safety and belonging in your organisation (and they work!) for practical strategies to increase belonging and safety in your organisation.
The role of media in helping us see ability
The media plays a massive part in shaping how we perceive things — the Paralympics perfectly illustrate this. By highlighting the achievements of athletes with disabilities, the Paralympics help us see disability in a new light.
Another great example of this positive shift in the media is the ‘You Little Ripper’ podcast. This show celebrates all things para sport! Supporting this podcast is close to my heart because it aligns with my goal to change how we view disability. Listening to it, I’m inspired by how these athletes turn challenges into triumphs, showing us all what’s possible.
Job Access – helping people with a disability to shine
Just like the Paralympics celebrate what athletes can do, Job Access highlights people’s abilities in the workplace and helps everyone shine. Created by the Australian Government, it offers everything from a helpful advice line (1800 464 800) to funds for workplace adjustments and recruitment support.
With one in six Australians living with a disability, it's important to acknowledge the valuable skills they contribute to the workforce. Employees with disabilities are not only reliable but also add unique talents, just like the athletes we cheer for in the Paralympics.
To see how businesses have benefited, check out real-life success stories on the Job Access YouTube channel or connect with them on LinkedIn.
Seeing disability as an asset, not a limitation, and recognising the extraordinary impact of the Paralympics can change how we think about diversity and inclusion. Remember, everyone has incredible potential. Embracing diversity and focusing on strengths can unlock this potential and create a more inclusive and empowered world.
If you're inspired by what you've read, I'd love to help your organisation embrace a strengths-based approach to diversity and inclusion. I offer group workshop facilitation and keynote speaking tailored to meet your needs and objectives. Please contact me to learn more.