What's in Addition?
While there are many similarities between AWADs and able-bodied athletes, there are some differences that change the LTAD process.
Athletes may have been born with a disability (congenital disability) or may have acquired a disability later in life.
Children with a congenital disability may not have the same opportunity to learn FUNdamental movement skills because they do not always have the same opportunities for vigorous, physical play during their early years (Active Start). This is sometimes due to long periods of hospitalization and the lack of suitable physical education programs, but may also be due to parents or caregivers being overly protective, a situation that can also occur with an acquired disability.
AWADs may operate in a sport environment in which there are participants not found in able-bodied sport. For example, runners who are blind need sighted guides and most sports require officials who determine the classification or division of competition into which the athlete best fits to ensure fairness of competition. Failure of the sport system to develop these supporting roles will have a long-term negative impact on athlete development and the competition experience.
Many AWADs require equipment or facilities adapted to take full advantage of their athletic ability and to minimize the sport-performance impact of their disability.
Because there may be only a few other AWADs with the same type and/or level of disability, access to appropriate competitive experiences may be difficult.
Some AWADs require personal care support, interpreters, and other personnel not found in able-bodied sport.
"I have gone through all the same stages of development as Canada's other elite athletes. From training hard as a teenager, through learning to compete on the international stage, to standing on the Paralympic podium, my development has taken time and perseverance."
Chantal Petitclerc
Paralympic, Olympic, and World Champion