They grow up being coddled by their parents and deprived of outside play. Getting interested and involved in sports is difficult for women and girls because of the limited exposure they get to sports, especially when they are young. Those who become disabled during their adult life, by things like accident or illness, are many times already involved in athletics. When that is the case, they are highly likely to remain active in sports. Disabled athletes often need to feel empowered in order to get involved in athletics.
Nondisabled people learn sports primarily through their families when they are children.
Athletes with disabilities, however, often attribute their participation and success to self-motivation and friends. Women athletes who become disabled later in life already have a support system of teachers, coaches, friends, and partners who still encourage them. Disabled athletes with encouraging, supportive parents are often leaders in their sport and community. They believe their success in leadership is a result of good parenting. Many athletes with disabilities of all kinds agree that sports are an important way to affirm their competence and worth.