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This examination will serve the purpose of a critical examination and a
summative evaluation. For years we have discussed our ongoing progress. At
this point we have achieved many goals and it is time to focus on those
achievements and determine where to go from there. But first, let us examine our
assumptions.
Assumptions
In any reflective or analytical process it is important to examine the
assumptions that are made. It is fair to say that the IPC, and the Paralympics, have
been promoted as:
1. A conduit for the development of positive attitudes towards people with
a disability, and to integration and inclusion.
2. A window through which one can view the abilities of people with
a disability.
3. A showcase for the progress people with a disability have made in the
latter half of the 20 th century.
4. A catalyst for future opportunities for people with a disability and for
the movement to inclusion.
5. A manifestation of the truly ethical sports environment - sportsmanship
as a moral category.
However, these are perhaps somewhat idealistic and obviously there is a bias
towards the positive. Therefore, how do we undertake this examination from
a critical, reflective and unbiased view?
Let me introduce you to two important elements in this discussion: A concept
and the "Outsider" perspective.
(1) Let us use the concept or metaphor as a camera lens through which we
take a snapshot of reality; or, the video camera lens through which we
capture the dynamic nature of reality. And,
(2) Let us adopt the "Outsider" perspective - the term "Outsider" perspective
is used in psychology to describe the biased and often negative view of
disability. It is fundamentally based on a lack of knowledge and
erroneous assumptions about the nature of disability.
It appears to me that we must consider the Outsider's (an individual
uninformed about the Paralympics) view through three (3) lenses if we are to
achieve this goal of unbaised reflection.
II. The Concept: A View Through 3 Lenses
With each lens there is an associated question:
(a) The Outsider Lens
What does or what may the Outsider - those uninformed with regard
to the Paralympic movement, see when he or she looks into the Paralympic
world?
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