Disability and Sports Blog #1

Sofia Torrie Dr. Sowers GSS-2117-001 Disability and Sports 30 March 2026 The difference between the medical model of disability and the biophysical model of disability is that the medical model is where the disability is seen as something that needs fixing or diagnosing, where the biophysical model is how people and their disabilities are accepted and included in society. The medical model focuses more on the diagnosis side, meaning this is where people focus more on fixing the disability. This may include doctors and medical work. For example, someone who is disabled may need a walker, and that will show their disability through walking. The biophysical model has a better understanding of people with disabilities because it is recognizing what people with disabilities may need within society such as accessibility and accommodations so they can be included and do things that any other individual is able to do. Breaking Barriers: Promoting Awareness, Inclusion and Acceptance for Individ...

Sofia Torrie Dr. Sowers GSS-2117-001 Disability and Sports 23 March 2026      In my opinion, no, I do not think that all athletes with any type of disability should be allowed to be classified for every sport. I say this because I believe that due to different disabilities among the athletes, some may be at more of a disadvantage than others. I do believe that inclusivity is very important when it comes to sports and individuals with disabilities, but unfortunately, there are some individuals who have disabilities but may be able to perform better than others which would create an unfair advantage for anyone if they were able to be classified for every sport.  If anyone with a disability were allowed to be classified for every sport, that creates a wide range of people who would be able to participate, and the competition would be disordered. I believe that honoring the fairness in these competitions is more important because it gives all of the athletes an opportuni...

Sofia Torrie Dr. Sowers GSS-2117-001 Disability and Sports 9 March 2026        When it comes to the argument of whether or not I think the ban of Russia and Belarus from the last few Paralympic Games is fair or not, I would say that I can see why they were banned, but do I think it is completely fair for the athletes? No. The ban of Russia and Belarus is a stance against the war, with Belarus showing Russia support of what they are doing to Ukraine. The Paralympics taking a stance against them and showing that they will not support those actions is a big step, and it is a strong step. The Paralympics is showing that they do not support the war, when a lot of athletes and countries may boycott the Paralympics if they were allowed to participate. I think that what they are doing sends a strong message and it shows that they are in support of what is right and fair.      On the other hand, I understand why the Paralympics is doing what they are doing, but...