On the road to inclusion – the contribution of APA from an educational perspective

Abstract

In 2006, the Convention of the United Nations on the rights spective it can be noted that inclusive approaches both in of persons with disabilities was adopted by the General theory and practice have a long tradition in APA. Inclusion Assembly. Since then in many countries action plans have did and does refer to physical education and sport settings been developed with the aim to ensure full implementa- as well as to the training of teachers, coaches and other tion of the Convention. At the heart is the concept of “in- professionals. Currently many excellent examples of in- clusion” which means that all areas of society, including clusion can be found, however, despite progress, there is physical education and sport, must be open for persons still a long way to full inclusion and equality.Amongst the with disabilities thus ensuring equal opportunity and ac- many obstacles are not only attitudes and barriers, but cess. Over many years, experts in the multi-disciplinary also current structures in educational and sport systems. area of “Adapted Physical Activity (APA)” have drawn the Many professionals in APA have been and still are strong attention of their professional colleagues and the general promoters of equity and equality in sport and in society public to the fact that huge inequalities exist between per- in general. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons sons without disabilities and those with disabilities regard- with Disabilities opens new opportunities to promote and ing their participation, their access, their involvement in support all efforts towards equal participation of persons leadership positions and their choices and opportunities with disabilities. The APA network in particular can play a in physical education and sport.From an educational per- leadership role in implementing the UN Convention.