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  2. Principle #4: Equal Access

Principle #4: Equal Access

Principle #4: Equal access must be guaranteed

All individuals should have equal opportunity to participate in physical activities regardless of age, gender, language, ethnic background, economic status or ability.

This principle stresses that opportunities to participate in active living should focus on inclusion rather than exclusion; the individual rather than the statistical norm; and current needs and interests rather than historical precedence. There is a need to enhance organizational planning and policy development to be inclusive, and to continue efforts to eliminate discrimination within the system.

Sonja Weilgart-Whitehead

English
Swimming gives me a sense of freedom through not needing anyone else in the water. Last summer, I swam over 1200m non-stop across a lake and back for almost two hours. Afterwards, a woman yelled at my mom, “Isn’t that a bit much??” Another time, a woman tried to “save” me using a noodle, despite my mom repeatedly assuring her I was fine. These incidents show prejudices and assumptions people still have about physical activity and disabilities.

Louis Gaudry

English

From The Sidelines To A Healthy Life

As a person with a physical disability, I understand how hard it is to be accepted when it comes to inclusion in sports and recreation in the community. That's why the message of inclusion promoted by the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability is so very important to me. Growing up and attending school was very hard when it came to participating in any activities. Whether it was just playing in the schoolyard or participating in the gymnasium, adults were hesitant of me getting involved, for fear I would get hurt.

Laura Bulk

English

Active Living Is For Everyone

For me, active living has become a part of my lifestyle. Of course, this did not just happen, and I did not expect it to happen at all. Active living, I thought, was something for athletes who played sports. Growing up partially-sighted, I was not highly involved in the sports that were available to me at the time, especially since balls seemed to be invisible until they reached my face (at which point it was too late to avoid being hit).

Kirsten Sharp

English

The Only Failure is Failing to Try

These seven words in the title of my story are words that I keep close to my heart, ever since I fell asleep skiing at the age of 14 and broke my back, leaving me paralysed from the chest down. After six months of hospital and rehab, I re-entered highschool completely focused on my education, and leaving sport behind. I remained active with my friends, but was concerned that because I had no trunk muscles, my balance would be an issue for trying new things.

Kaley McLean

English
Being active makes me feel good. It energizes me for daily living, and provides me with strength that increases my endurance. I want to share with you my experience of learning the martial art of Tae Kwon Do.