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- Talk
- 23/09/2021
- UK
Should Sport Play a Larger Part in Treatment of Neurodisability
Description
In this enlightening talk, Rachael Hutchinson discusses the pivotal role of sports in addressing disability through her experiences as a classifier in British swimming and table tennis. She starts by probing the audience's understanding of disability, highlighting its multifaceted definitions and societal perceptions. With the structuring of her key points around case studies, Hutchinson emphasizes that disability is not merely a result of medical impairments but is also shaped by societal influences and individual environment.
She presents compelling evidence advocating for sport as an effective means of enhancing the well-being of individuals with disabilities. By referencing historical precedents, such as Ludwig Guttmann's foundation of the Paralympics aimed at improving health outcomes for spinal injury patients, she illustrates how sport can build muscle strength, endurance, and foster a sense of achievement.
The talk incorporates real-life case studies of children with disabilities, showcasing their remarkable progress through targeted sporting activities. Rachael explains concepts like repeated pattern learning to demonstrate how individuals with disabilities can adapt and learn movement patterns effectively. She concludes with an insightful look at the future potential of integrating sports into disability treatment, discussing funding opportunities and systemic changes that can help improve access to sports and physical activity for those with disabilities.