Normality and Disability in Para Sport and Their Application in the International Paralympic Committee Handbook: A Philosophical Critique

This article critically examines the concepts of “normality” and “disability” within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Handbook, highlighting their implications for Para sport and athletes with disabilities. The analysis explores how these ideas shape public perceptions, the role of technology in Para sport, and the IPC’s dual focus on elite competition and social development. Through a philosophical and multidisciplinary lens, the research identifies tensions and inconsistencies in the language and models of disability used by the IPC. Historical, social, and cultural narratives are considered to contextualize the Handbook’s construction. Recommendations are made for policy improvements to better align the IPC’s policies with its vision of inclusivity and social change through Para sport.