Abstract:

I’mPOSSIBLE is an educational programme developed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) through the support of its development arm, the Agitos Foundation, to spread the values and the vision of the Paralympic Movement to young people throughout the world. The main objective of the programme is to change society’s perceptions and teach the next generation about inclusion of people with impairments.

The programme is designed for teachers to use with learners aged 6–18. It provides a range of easy-to-use lesson ideas introducing learners to the Paralympic values, Para sports and the inspirational achievements of Para athletes from around the world. Wherever possible, differentiated activities have been provided for younger learners, aged 6–8, 9-12, 13-15 and 16-18. The toolkit of resources includes a teacher handbook, teacher lesson plans, teacher training guidelines, learner worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, six short films and teacher and learner surveys. As this resource is intended to be used globally, it has been designed in a flexible way to allow for cultural adaptation, translation and do-it-yourself equipment at little to no cost. Across the toolkit there are also various different adaptations for learners of all abilities to take part based off of the TREE framework which focuses on modifications to activities so that learners of all abilities can participate.

To date, I’mPOSSIBLE has been piloted in Japan, Armenia, Malawi and Kazakhstan with successes. Following the pilot launch of the Japanese version of I’mPOSSIBLE in February 2017, the Ministry of Education in Japan has pledged to include Paralympic education alongside Olympic education in its national curriculum. This kind of change is also anticipated in future I’mPOSSIBLE implementation countries. Furthermore, a recent teacher training in Kazakhstan highlighted the positive impact that the programme is having on not only the children’s, but also the teacher’s understanding of inclusion. The teachers claimed a strong need for inclusive education through I’mPOSSIBLE and to transform society’s perceptions towards people with impairments.

I’mPOSSIBLE has begun to spread to international partners as well, such as FC Barcelona Foundation (FCBF). On 2 December 2017, FCBF signed a partnership agreement with the Agitos Foundation to further support the global reach of I’mPOSSIBLE.

Working in partnership with National Paralympic Committees, Ministries of Education and other international partners, I’mPOSSIBLE has been globally available since 3 December 2017. The sample resources are available online in English and additional resources in Spanish and French are available upon request. To maximise the impact of the toolkit, conference participants will find out how they can implement I’mPOSSIBLE in their own countries and how the programme will can facilitate policy change at the highest level to bring about more inclusion of people with impairment.

Keywords:

Inclusion, primary and secondary education, Para sport, Paralympic, I’mPOSSIBLE.