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Over the past few weeks, millions of eyes have been glued to the screen as athletes around the world lit up the Olympic Games. As the torch was handed over to Para athletes during the Closing Ceremony, it served as a powerful spotlight on Para sport.
Nearly 1.5 million tickets have been purchased for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with 400,000 tickets sold during the Olympics alone. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president, Andrew Parson, has declared the stage is set for the most ‘spectacular’ Games yet, as a record number of National Paralympic Committees (NPC) expect to compete in over 22 sports with 549 medals up for grabs.
How assistive technology is powering the Paralympic Games
Assistive technology is at the heart of the Paralympic Games – and Paris 2024 is no exception. Assistive technology is an umbrella term used to describe the products, services and systems that support individuals with disabilities, as well as others. In the context of Paralympic sport, it covers the breadth of technology used by athletes from ‘low tech’ to highly advanced equipment.
One of the most enduring images of the Paralympics is the running blade worn by amputee athletes and this technology is seeing a huge shift. Until recently, athletes used their everyday prostheses to compete – even at the international level. Yet in recent years, specially designed prostheses have been developed to enhance athletic performance. Carbon fibre, more resistant to impact and lightweight, is now the preferred material for running blades – and you’ll see plenty of them on the track.
Wheelchairs will also feature prominently during this Paralympics, with Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Tennis all in the competition. In each sport, the wheelchairs are adapted to the needs of the competitors and the demands of the sport in question. Rugby chairs are typically made of aluminium and built to withstand impact. Meanwhile, the three-wheeled chairs typically used in racing are designed to be more streamlined.
You’ll also see that assistive technology also varies in line with athletes’ classification. In wheelchair basketball, ‘low point’ athletes who have less function in their lower body often require a bucket seat, with higher backrests, compared to high-pointers with greater bodily function.
As you keep an eye out for different assistive technologies on the field, don’t be surprised to see an array of assistive products in the stands too. For people with visual impairments, audio descriptions for select sports are available on the official Games app. Newly introduced at Paris 2024, there is now also a low-vision helmet available, an exciting innovation enabling viewers to zoom in on the action. Subtitles and sign language tools are provided for people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, and touch tablet-sensitive tablets enable spectators to experience the sensations of the Games through a vibration system – all designed to enhance the viewing experience for people with disabilities. These are the kinds of digital technologies that could benefit sports fans worldwide and I hope to see them more widely rolled out in future.
The approach of Paris to these Games is to be commended: operating under the philosophy of ‘Games Wide Open’ – ensuring fans have proper accessibility at both the Olympics and Paralympics. An estimated 350,000 visitors with disabilities are expected to attend the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, with a phenomenal 25,000 tickets being sold every day for Paralympic events. It is a timely reminder of the need for equitable accessibility, not just for those competing, but also the spectators in the stands for today and future sporting events.
It is also encouraging to see how Paris has been improving accessibility and inclusion across the capital in tandem. The city has invested more than £125 million into a range of projects, such as increasing the number of sound modules at road junctions to make it easier for people with vision impairments to navigate the city. Enhanced Accessibility Neighbourhoods and accessible transport options are also benefiting both residents and tourists this summer.
What’s important is that this is just the beginning. It is paramount these initiatives are maintained and funded, to prioritise accessible living long after the Paralympic Games draw to a close.
Improving equity of access to assistive technology beyond the Games
As part of my work at ATscale, I was proud to launch the Unlock the Everyday campaign in January to raise awareness of the urgent need to increase access to assistive technology, particularly in low income countries, where only 10% of people have access to what they need.
As we watch the Paralympics over the next few weeks, we cannot forget that access to advanced assistive products used by athletes is still far from equal. A lack of access to assistive technology has been demonstrably linked to lower achievements, fewer medals, and reduced representation from athletes in low- and middle-income countries.
However, we must acknowledge that access to advanced assistive products is not the only barrier to competition. In low- and middle-income countries, the provision of advanced wheelchairs or prostheses must go in tandem with the maintenance and improvements to training, funding, and national sports infrastructure.
Now, we must capitalise on the momentum of the Games to ensure everyo1ne can participate in sport, no matter where they live. Collectively, stakeholders in the private and public sphere must go further in providing access to assistive technology, especially in low-and middle-income countries where the need is greater.
The Paralympics provides a platform to put the issue of equitable access to assistive technology front and centre. Paris 2024 is committed to building a legacy beyond the Games, and the record number of National Paralympic Committees competing at these Games demonstrates progress.
As we enjoy the spectacular feats and incredible talents on display, we must take this opportunity to drive visibility of assistive technology, all year round. Spurred on by the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is vital that governments, policymakers and the private sector join us to help bridge the access gap in assistive technology, and shape a future where everyone, everywhere can unlock their potential.
