Diversity and Inclusion of People with Disabilities- Adaptive Athletes

Following my knee injury, I had to have two major surgeries that have put me out of service for weeks. The latest one will have me on crutches for six  plus weeks. In this episode, I explore how these two episodes of  temporary disability have impacted my life and opened my eyes to the challenges of living with a disability.

As a black woman, the issue of diversity and inclusion is something I deal with all the time. I struggle with issues in my work, in my career as an orthopedic surgeon is dominated by white men, and in most of my hobbies: triathlons, skiing, etc.  

Though most places  have handicap parking  spots, many are not in the most ideal places. The spots are sometimes far from the entrance; it requires  going over hurdles to access the building.  I was listening  to a podcast by fellow triathletes, Unphased.  There was a triathlon and the handicapped parking was placed where adaptive athletes in wheelchairs had to go over a mud field to get to race. Many couldn’t and needed assistance to get to the start. And it's not just the parking spots, other amenities such as  toilets, safety equipment , building and transport access ways, fire equipment and so on must also be considered.

Sometimes, where the parking spots are appropriately placed close to the building, other people without handicaps take advantage of such spots leaving the deserving people to suffer and so your consideration is asked. Organizers and managers of events need adaptive athletes in the planning process.

Disabled people are not looking for handouts. They want to be as productive and independent as they can. Having these considerations for them will help them become highly productive members of the community, inspiring athletes, and such much more. 

Episode Highlights:  

Note of thanks for the continued support of the podcast The importance of  diversity and inclusion People with disabilities My experience living with a temporary disability Inspiring athletes with disabilities- adaptive athletes  How you can be more sensitive to people living with disabilities

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