08 Jul A New Chapter for Inclusion: Disability in the Global Matrix

Children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) have long been overlooked (i.e. often treated as an after-thought) in global physical activity research—not because of a lack of need or interest, but often due to confusion around fragmented definitions, a lack of proactive and integral involvement, including low engagement opportunities for the affected communities, poor data systems, and missed opportunities for harmonised collaboration.

At the AHKGA, we strongly believe that inclusion starts with visibility— and have henceforth decided to drive greater action and accountability to this underutilized sector.

As we prepare for the Global Matrix 5.0, we’re taking an intentional, new, and proactive approach by:

• Creating a first-of-its-kind JEDI Committee (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) which is now fully embedded within our governance structure.
• Data on CAWD are required to be integrated into jurisdiction’s reporting from the very start—CAWD will not be treated as a separate add-on, or hasty afterthought to this multi-year, global initiative.
• We’re working with partners like the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA) to engage directly with affected populations, to advance our efforts with their active guidance, and promote inclusive practices by ensuring consistency and following proven, best-practice approaches.
• We’re also planning, and are committed to publishing, a dedicated global scientific paper specifically on CAWD international findings from the GM5.0 for this specific population

Inclusion is not an afterthought—it’s a core responsibility that must guide our collective actions from a project’s inception. Together, we can help ensure that CAWD are no longer invisible in research, policy, and advocacy.

Learn more in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly → https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2023-0131

Also check out the JEDI Committee’s Guidance on Inclusion Items for the Global Matrix 5.0 here.