The importance of abilities in inclusive experiences from the perspective of people with visual impairments: the example of alpine skiing
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Date
Publisher
Frontiers
Abstract
Background: Alpine skiing offers both opportunities and challenges for
individuals with visual impairments. Despite its potential for inclusion, barriers
persist that limit participation. Using an ableism-critical and interpretivist
perspective, this study explores inclusion as a subjective experience from the
perspective of alpine skiers with visual impairments, focusing on how sportrelated
abilities influence inclusive processes. The aim is to derive implications
for the development of more inclusive sports practices.
Methods: A qualitative approach was used, drawing on episodic interviews with
six adult skiers (five women, one man) with visual impairment from Germany,
including both recreational to competitive athletes. A qualitative content
analysis identified key themes related to skiing, abilities, and inclusion.
Results: A synthesis of the interview results revealed four key themes: (1) skiing
as a booster for self-confidence, (2) skiing as proof of expertise and
competence, (3) skiing under the radar, (4) skiing as a pathway to accessibility
and inclusion. Participants reported increased self-confidence, improved
motor and social skills, and enhanced advocacy for accessibility. While skiing
itself was seen as inclusive, structural barriers including a lack of guides, a
limited awareness of para-skiing, and segregated competitions restricted full
participation. Conversations with sighted individuals revealed admiration for
skiers’ abilities while but also exposed gaps in their understanding of
adaptive skiing.
Conclusions: Skiing fosters independence, competence, and inclusion for
individuals with visual impairment by enhancing skills and challenging ableist
perceptions. However, systemic barriers, limited coverage and separate
competitive structures, hinder full inclusion—as defined by the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)—and
influence the subjective feeling of inclusion. Addressing these challenges
requires greater awareness, improved access to guiding and policy changes to
ensure equal participation. This study contributes to the discussion on ability,
ableism, and the role of sports in inclusive practices.
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Except where otherwised noted, this item's license is described as Attribution 4.0 International