The Documentary Podcast The next Paralympians
Aug 25, 2024
Deepthi Jeevanji, India’s first Paralympian with an intellectual impairment, shares her inspiring journey from a rural village to the world stage in Paris. Battling bullying and family hardships, her triumphs include winning a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. Joining her is Dan Pepper, a British ex-Paralympic swimmer, who discusses the challenges athletes with intellectual disabilities face globally. Together, they spotlight the importance of support systems and the drive for greater representation and inclusivity in sports.
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Language Stigma Shapes How Diagnosis Is Framed
- Deepthi's team avoid using the local term for intellectual impairment because it is insulting, instead referring to her classification as T20.
- Language stigma shaped how they explain diagnosis to protect Deepthi's dignity and motivation.
Cognitive Limits Can Decide Medal Outcomes
- Intellectual impairment affects split-second decision-making and cognitive skills, which can change sporting outcomes.
- Aaron Benjamin explains classification ensures fairness by separating athletes whose cognitive limitations alter game strategy.
Train Coaches To Teach Athletes With II
- Train coaches to focus on athletes' abilities and adapt explanations and drills to different learning styles.
- Cyvis India runs coach training, residential camps, and personality development to integrate athletes with intellectual impairment.