ABSTRACT
It is estimated that there are 650 million disabled people in the world, approximately 10 per cent of the population.1 Over the past thirty years, the life chances and opportunities for many disabled people have dramatically changed, particularly in the areas of education, health and employment. To a large extent the political action instigated by disability activists and human rights advocates has heightened awareness of the inequalities and oppression that disabled people experience in social life. Although positive developments have resulted from these movements it should be acknowledged that internationally the pace of change has not been uniform and many disabled people remain institutionalized, discriminated against and continue to experience social isolation (Filmer 2005; Watermeyer et al. 2006; Loeb et al. 2008). Sport for some will never be significant and instead concerns are likely to focus on getting through daily life. I make this important point because although this edited collection is about disability and youth sport there should be a recognition that as scholars, students and practitioners we have a responsibility to not only advocate for young disabled people in sport but also need to do this in broader dimensions of life. After all, sport is inextricably connected to wider social and cultural practices and norms and we need to engage with these debates if we are serious about enhancing the sporting opportunities and experiences of young disabled people.
