How the 2012 Paralympic Games Affected Public Perceptions of Disability

The Paralympics are a major international multi-sport event where athletes with a physical disability compete; this includes athletes with mobility disabilities, amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy. There are Winter and Summer Paralympic Games, which are held immediately following their respective Olympic Games. All Paralympic Games are governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

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What the Infographic Reveals

Over the years discrimination against disabled people has become less acceptable, but remains widespread.

The Paralympics provided an opportunity to tackle some of the stigma disabled people face. But did they succeed?

The 2012 Paralympics:

• 4,269 athletes competed in the Paralympics.
• 164 countries sent athletes. GB's was the biggest delegation, with 294 members.
• 40 GB athletes won gold in 34 events.
• 2.7 Million tickets sold.

The Sports:

• 21 different disciplines in which Paralympians competed.
• 176 classifications for different levels of impairment within all Paralympics disciplines.
• 1,100 competitors in athletics (740 men, 360 women)
• 225 competitors in cycling (155 men, 70 women).
• 600 competitors in swimming (340 men, 260 women)

The Paralympics inspired the nation:

• 37 Million tuned into channel 4's coverage of the games, up to Thursday 6th September, 2012.
• 81% (8 in 10) British adults say that the Paralympics 2012 has had a positive impact on the way disabled people are viewed in public.
• Nearly 50% of the people interviewed said they found Paralympic athletes more inspirational than their Olympic counterparts.
• The outstanding performance of our athletes led to 85% of those surveyed said they were people to aspire to.
• 80% said they enjoyed seeing disabled presenters on screen.

We must build on this positive momentum:

The recent British Social Attitudes Report 29 shows there are still some worrying underlying trends facing people with disabilities.

Support for extra spending has fallen:

Extra spending on benefits for disabled people who can not work has fallen by 21% since 1998 and by 10% in the last 3 years.

It is crucial that everyone working in the disability sector does more to explain the reality of disability to the public so all disabled people are given a fair deal in the future, and a chance to succeed in the way the Paralympians showed they can.

United Response works with disabled people, providing tailored support and person-centered care. We assist individuals and empower them to become more confident and independent.

How the 2012 Paralympic Games Affected Public Perceptions of Disability

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by United Response and published on 2012/10/30, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.