I’mPOSSIBLE
WHAT IS I’mPOSSIBLE?
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities article 4 states the importance of ‘[promoting] the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability’. With article 30.5, the convention aims to ensure equal access to play, recreation and school activities. Despite that, disability remains a profound barrier to accessing quality education, and the situation is particularly challenging in physical education (PE). Despite the proven benefits of PE—such as improved physical health, enhanced social development, and increased teamwork—children with disabilities face systemic challenges that limit their participation and enjoyment. Teachers are not adequately trained to support and promote the needs of children with disabilities, and, as a result, children are excluded from physical activity by both peers and teachers.
To address these challenges, I’mPOSSIBLE, the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) global education toolkit for learners aged 6-18, enables teachers to engage young people throughout the world guided by the vision of the Paralympic Movement for an inclusive world through Para sport. It provides a range of easy-to-use lesson ideas introducing learners to the Paralympic values and Para sport and recognises the courage and determination of Paralympians who redefine what was thought possible. Using Para athletes’ stories, I’mPOSSIBLE:
- demonstrates to young people that with determination and courage, inspired by Para athletes, they achieve the impossible in their lives.
- challenges learners’ perceptions and attitudes towards people with a disability, helping to bring about a more inclusive and equitable society.
- provides teachers with hands-on recommendations on how to make physical education inclusive.
Through promoting inclusive opportunities for play and physical education, I’mPOSSIBLE fosters inclusion and challenges learners’ perceptions and attitudes towards persons with disabilities, directly putting Article 30.5 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into practice. Furthermore, I’mPOSSIBLE contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goal 4 “Quality Education” and Goal 10 “Reduced Inequalities”.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The toolkit is designed for teachers to use with learners aged 6–18. The toolkit can be used in schools or alongside other youth programmes, clubs or organisations.
WHAT IMPACT HAS I’mPOSSIBLE ACHIEVED?
Since the toolkit was globally launched on 3 December 2017, coinciding with the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it has been implemented in over 40 countries, with nearly 7,500 teachers and over 400,000 learners impacted by the programme.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
IPC members and Organising Committees of Para sport competitions and of Olympic and Paralympic Games sign a Terms of Use Agreement with the IPC to access and implement the toolkit. Any other interested party or individual should contact one of these stakeholders to express interest and discuss implementation. For any further questions, please contact i-am-possible@paralympic.org.
RESOURCES
If you would like to understand more about how I’mPOSSIBLE works, you can download the following samples:
- Sample of learning units for download:
