In the past there have been attempts to exclude people with intellectual disability from the World Games and NCID has been approached by athletes concerned that they may not be included in the Paralympic Games. Thankfully Australian sports bodies have not been involved in questioning the place of people with intellectual disability in either national or international events. In fact they have been highly supportive. The criteria to be designated as an athlete with intellectual disability goes beyond intelligence as it looks at skills and abilities. To be designated as an athlete with intellectual disability a person must need assistance with some everyday activities.
Intelligence has an effect on many aspects of our lives including motivation and understanding.
For a person with intellectual disability to achieve a place in the Australian Paralympic Team takes a great deal of inner and outer strength. That they achieve what many of us can only applaud must not be devalued by the actions of a few, whether they are the Spanish Basketball team or the International Paralympic Committee. For many people with intellectual disability life can be a struggle with at times insurmountable obstacles placed in their way. Most of the obstacles, whether it is applying for a job, getting a house or attending the local school are placed there by people who are ignorant of disability and are fearful of the unknown. All the more devastating then if the obstacles are placed there by other people with a disability who are fully aware of the devastating effects of discrimination and disadvantage.