Discuss the use assistive technology to enhance participation and performance for athletes with disabilities. (6 marks)
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Positive Impacts
- [P] A key advantage is that assistive technology enhances performance for athletes with disabilities.
- [E] This happens because equipment such as lightweight wheelchairs and advanced tyres improve speed and manoeuvrability.
- [Ev] For example, racing wheelchairs designed with carbon fibre frames allow Paralympic athletes to compete at elite levels.
- [L] This shows how assistive technology supports athletes to reach higher levels of performance.
- [P] Another benefit is increased participation and access.
- [E] Audible balls for athletes with vision impairment create fair opportunities to play sport.
- [Ev] Evidence of this is seen in blind cricket, where specially designed balls allow athletes to track ball movement using sound.
- [L] Therefore, technology reduces barriers and makes sport more inclusive.
Challenges and Limitations
- [P] On the other hand, one significant limitation is cost and availability.
- [E] This occurs because advanced wheelchairs or prosthetics are expensive and not accessible to all.
- [Ev] For instance, high-performance prosthetic running blades can cost thousands of dollars, limiting access for some athletes.
- [L] Consequently, while technology enhances participation, equity remains an issue.
- [P] Another concern is over-reliance on assistive technology.
- [E] This occurs because athletes may depend heavily on specialised equipment rather than developing broader skills or fitness.
- [Ev] For example, wheelchair athletes using highly engineered chairs may struggle if equipment malfunctions, reducing performance significantly.
- [L] This demonstrates that technology dependence can make athletes vulnerable and highlights the importance of balancing equipment use with training.
Show Worked Solution
Positive Impacts
- [P] A key advantage is that assistive technology enhances performance for athletes with disabilities.
- [E] This happens because equipment such as lightweight wheelchairs and advanced tyres improve speed and manoeuvrability.
- [Ev] For example, racing wheelchairs designed with carbon fibre frames allow Paralympic athletes to compete at elite levels.
- [L] This shows how assistive technology supports athletes to reach higher levels of performance.
- [P] Another benefit is increased participation and access.
- [E] Audible balls for athletes with vision impairment create fair opportunities to play sport.
- [Ev] Evidence of this is seen in blind cricket, where specially designed balls allow athletes to track ball movement using sound.
- [L] Therefore, technology reduces barriers and makes sport more inclusive.
Challenges and Limitations
- [P] On the other hand, one significant limitation is cost and availability.
- [E] This occurs because advanced wheelchairs or prosthetics are expensive and not accessible to all.
- [Ev] For instance, high-performance prosthetic running blades can cost thousands of dollars, limiting access for some athletes.
- [L] Consequently, while technology enhances participation, equity remains an issue.
- [P] Another concern is over-reliance on assistive technology.
- [E] This occurs because athletes may depend heavily on specialised equipment rather than developing broader skills or fitness.
- [Ev] For example, wheelchair athletes using highly engineered chairs may struggle if equipment malfunctions, reducing performance significantly.
- [L] This demonstrates that technology dependence can make athletes vulnerable and highlights the importance of balancing equipment use with training.