Wheelchair basketball is a fast and skillful game that is played tactically. The inclusion of able bodied persons in the game is one thing that can make the game more interesting. Whereas able bodied persons see themselves as different from those who are physically disabled, the physically disabled persons see themselves as the same as the other group. But when both groups do not see the difference between themselves then they can play without thinking about being disabled or not. An integration of able bodied participants, disable participants as well as those with minimal disabilities forms a strong tem with regard to the unity they exhibit and the determination to complement each other. It does not matter whether one is disabled or not, all that matters is that the players can play well and derive self and collective fulfillment from participating in wheelchair basketball.
People suffering from disabilities are often subjected to discrimination and social prejudice. Ronald Berger highlights this in his article Hoops and Wheels. He says this form of discrimination is commonly referred to as “albeism”. Just like many other forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism, persons suffering from physical disabilities are considered not normal and, therefore, when they are compared to able bodied persons, they are seen as inferior to them. This form of discrimination has been proven wrong by the fact that there are persons who are physically challenged who participate in sports and perform just like able bodied persons or even better. Persons with disabilities are, therefore faced with the challenge of being included in practices set aside for able bodied persons and thus, they end up being treated like they are lesser human beings. Sporting activities such as wheel chair basketball has proven that if given room these persons can be included in any game that any one of them is interested in playing.
Outside the realm of sports, people with disabilities often receive an unfair treatment. Albeism takes many forms ranging from rendering environments inaccessible to people with disabilities. Amusement areas to churches and even business premises are made in such a way that people with physical disabilities cannot easily access them without the aid of able bodied persons. Houses are also not built to suit the needs of people with disabilities and, therefore, chances of finding one that has got features that can accommodate such persons is next to nil. It is not surprising that even in daily discourse, persons with disability are often left out of the common interactions that people have. A person with disability may find it difficult integrating with others even by talking because of the unwanted or sympathetic looks they often receive. They are often treated as if they are lacking in all aspects of life.
It is from this perspective that persons living with disabilities need to be taken into consideration by involving them and taking them into consideration when it comes to activities which able bodied persons do. When it comes to sports, persons with disabilities can be involved by having their games registered in competitive sport like the Olympics. Wheelchair basketball is one example of such sport can be integrated because of the way it has been designed and the way in which it is played. If this happens, we can be sure that this will be a sure way of dealing with albeism and making physical activities accommodating for persons with disabilities.
Work Cited
Berger, Ronald. Hoops & Wheels. PDF File
