Active EMPOWERMENT

How exercise can empower people with disabilities to move beyond limits

- • By Elaine Obran

Within the world of gyms, group sports and fitness culture, those living with a disability often find themselves running a race on uneven ground.

While important strides have been made from NDIS funding to expanded services - many Australians continue to face very real psychological, physical and social barriers when it comes to integrated physical activity.

As a community particularly vulnerable to social isolation and mental health issues, inclusive movement isn't just exercise for people with disabilities - it's a matter of dignity, connection and equal opportunity.

In recognition of its societal importance, we asked Paralympian Reece Langdon and Dr Kuljit Singh, the national chair of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' Specific Interests group for social prescribing, how movement, community and a mindset shift can reshape what inclusion in exercise can - and should - look like.

MORE THAN JUST MOVEMENT

Before Langdon was winning bronze medals at the Paralympics, the track and field para-athlete grew up on a property where he would run 2km just to collect the mail.