More Than Games: Why Sport Must Matter in the Assistive Technology Agenda
How participatory research, co-creation with Global South partners, and extended project cycles can lead to policy change for disability inclusion.
Over the past six years through AT2030, the Para Sport Against Stigma programme has worked with partners in Malawi, Namibia and Southern Africa to explore how Para sport can challenge stigma and increase access to assistive technology (AT). Through participatory action research, Making Noise media campaigns, and athlete storytelling, the project has shown how collaboration and long-term commitment can influence systems.
At the African Union Sport Council Region 5 Youth Games (July 2025, Namibia), this work came together in an Inter-Ministerial Forum with nearly 100 delegates from government, NGOs, and the Olympic and Commonwealth Sport Movements. Focused on Sustainability and Inclusion – Breaking the Silos, the Forum produced the first sub-regional Declaration on Assistive Technology and Sport, setting out clear calls to action.