Para Sport Against Stigma
The AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma Programme is a multi-phase research and practice initiative funded by UK International Development and led by Loughborough University in partnership with organisations across Southern Africa.
The AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma Programme is a multi-phase research and practice initiative funded by UK International Development and led by Loughborough University in partnership with organisations across Southern Africa. It explored how Para Sport, media, storytelling, and assistive technology could work together to challenge disability stigma and evolved through cycles of reflection and learning shifting from an early focus on broadcast access and Paralympic visibility toward a deeper understanding of how stigma is structurally reproduced through systems, and what it actually takes to enable participation.
- Para Sports Against Stigma Final Report: Learning from Systems
- Para Sports Against Stigma Insight Video
- Communication for Localisation: “Making” the Paralympics Malawian
Sport Assistive Technology Ecosystem
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.
- Catalysing an Assistive Technology Ecosystem for Sport in Southern Africa
- More Than Games: Why Sport Must Matter in the Assistive Technology Agenda
Shifting stigma through storytelling
The Para Sport Against Stigma programme harnesses storytelling as a key tool for advocacy and inclusion which was achieved through several practices. It created space to learn through doing and highlighted the value time and facilitation in athlete centred storytelling in Malawi. For AT2030 and PSAS, these insights continue to shape how media is understood in terms of representation and infrastructure that supports participation, voice, and long-term inclusion within Para sport systems.
Latest
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James Chiutsi
Global Disability Innovation HubMarch 31, 2026MalawiCase Studies and ReportsJames Chiutsi is a leading voice in disability sport in Southern Africa and has been central to the AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma project since its launch in 2021. As President of the Malawi Paralympic Committee and Chair of AUSC Region 5’s Sport for People with Disability Committee, he has shaped strategy, governance, and regional collaboration. James brings a long-view perspective on systems change across the continent.
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Sharing insights from the Para Sport Against Stigma programme
Jennie Wong, Sheila Mogalo (IPC Consultant), Jessica Noske-TurnerMarch 31, 2026MalawiCase Studies and ReportsPara Sport Against Stigma (PSAS) is a research and innovation project exploring how Para and disability sport can be used to understand and shift disability stigma. Part of the FCDO-funded AT2030 programme, the project began by examining how Paralympic broadcasting could influence public perceptions across Sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee. Over time, the work has evolved. Today, PSAS focuses on how sport, storytelling, and assistive technology (AT) can contribute to longer-term systems change. We work in reflective cycles with national partners—co-developing activities, learning together, and shaping inclusive policies and practices from the ground up.
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George Kangaya
Global Disability Innovation HubMarch 31, 2026GlobalCase Studies and ReportsGeorge Kangaya research examined Malawi’s assistive technology ecosystem — mapping providers, barriers, repair pathways, financing, and user experiences. His findings intersect strongly with Paralympic and community sport systems and his work highlights the structural shifts needed to improve access and long-term use of AT in Malaw
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Sheila Mogalo
Global Disability Innovation HubMarch 31, 2026GlobalCase Studies and ReportsPara Sport Against Stigma (PSAS) is a research and innovation project exploring how Para and disability sport can be used to understand and shift disability stigma. Part of the FCDO-funded AT2030 programme, the project began by examining how Paralympic broadcasting could influence public perceptions across Sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee.
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Jennie Wong
Global Disability Innovation HubMarch 31, 2026GlobalCase Studies and ReportsJennie Wong has brought together the Para Sport Against Stigma project — from research to broadcast, campaigns, community engagement and regional partnerships. Coordinating with collaborators across Malawi, Kenya, Namibia, the UK and international federations to open pathways for future work in storytelling, AT innovation and systems change.