The Paralympics begins this week, and we’re about to see some fantastic sport, from Ellie Simmonds in the pool to Sarah Storey in the velodrome. But, unfortunately, we’re also about to hear lots of cringe-worthy takes on disability.
The most jarring opinion I have repeatedly come across online is the idea, rooted in the “disabled shirker” narrative, that Paralympic athletes represent what all disabled people could achieve if they just applied themselves. If Hannah Cockroft can wheel 100m in 17.42 seconds, then surely the rest of us can at least make our way to a job interview?
What this argument misses is that Paralympians have access to specialist training, equipment and funding (UK Sport figures show nearly £75m has been spent on Paralympics GB for the Tokyo Games). If other disabled people received the same amount of resources and support then we would also be able to flourish in other areas, but that’s not the reality for many.
Disabled people are often trying incredibly hard to live fulfilling lives – going to work, dating, seeing friends at the weekend – but they are held back by systematic biases and a chronic lack of support that prevent them from [...]