Recommendations to facilitate and encourage dual career for Para-athlete students

Abstract

This chapter discusses the importance of human rights in promoting equal participation of all people in education and sport, for their holistic development and full participation in society. It highlights the variability of disability support policies across Europe and the need for more inclusive outcomes in education, work, and sport for people with disabilities. The chapter call attention to the challenges para-athletes face in balancing their academic and work careers with their sporting activities. It calls for recommendations at various levels, including the individual, the interpersonal environment, educational institutions, sports bodies, companies, and policy makers. These recommendations cover the promotion of awareness, cooperation, flexibility, support, and inclusion in the pursuit of para-sport dual careers, with a particular focus on removing barriers and fostering cultural change towards equitable social, academic, work, and sporting landscapes. Finally, the chapter underlines the role of policy makers in creating opportunities and monitoring the alignment of policy intent with practice in the field of para-sport dual careers