Evidence brief on engaging communities in Para sport in Malawi

This report sets out the prevalence of stigma and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities and their families in Malawi. It shares findings from a research study on the potential of Para sport for addressing disability stigma and provides a set of recommendations. 

Key insights explored in this research include:

• challenging stigma can support wider rights, including improved access to disability services and Assistive Technology (AT)
• the Paralympics and para sport can be used as a platform for addressing local forms of disability stigma 
• Para athletes are powerful role models and can counter internalised disability stigma
• local stories and community engagement is critical for the Paralympic sport to catalyse social change
• engaging schools in para sport can advance inclusive education, inclusive sport, and support with the identification of the next generation of Para athletes.

While the research was conducted in Malawi, the recommendations of the report can be used in other contexts.