Catalysing an Assistive Technology Ecosystem for Sport in Southern Africa

Para Sport Against Stigma (PSAS) began as a visibility led intervention, using sport as a way to challenge stigma associated with disability. Early assumptions within the programme reflected a common approach within awareness raising initiatives: that increasing visibility and shifting perceptions would contribute to greater inclusion and participation.  While this work demonstrated that visibility can generate recognition and interest, it also revealed the limitations of approaches centred primarily  on awareness and attitudes. Participation in Para and disability sport is shaped not only by visibility, but by the wider systems that enable access to assistive technology, transport, facilities, and structured opportunities for participation. Where these are absent, participation remains limited regardless of visibility. This paper argues that assistive technology should be understood as core participation infrastructure for disability sport. It reframes PSAS as an early-stage innovation ecosystem intervention,  showing how visibility and awareness-led  work,  coupled  with communication for social change approaches, can contribute to broader system change over time.