Sports Promotion Headquarters

Intellectual disability and sports

Intellectual disability is an impairment in intellectual function that appears during the developmental period (approximately until the age of 18), and the development of intellectual functions such as memory, reasoning, and judgment remains delayed in general, and adaptation to social life is delayed. They require welfare assistance.In severe cases, people are often accompanied by a support person, whereas in mild cases, they often act independently.

Communication considerations and points

First, speak kindly

Slowly, carefully, and repeatedly in short sentences

Explaining too many things at once can be confusing, so speak slowly and carefully, using short, easy-to-understand sentences.Please explain over and over again what the other person does not understand.It is a good idea to ask the other person to explain the content in their own words to confirm their understanding.

Easy to understand using illustrations and hiragana

Add furigana to kanji on documents and signboards, and use illustrations and diagrams to make them easier to understand.

Ask specific questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no”

Instead of asking, "What do you want to do today?", ask a question like, "Do you want to go swimming today?" and the other person can answer with a "yes" or "no."Also, when giving instructions, it is easier to understand your intentions by being specific, such as ``Please write your address,'' rather than ``Please fill out a form.''

Even if you have a supporter, be sure to confirm his or her intentions.

Even if you have a support person, please be sure to confirm the purpose and intentions of the user himself/herself.Additionally, in order to provide an accurate response, if you wish to contact a family member or other person who is not present, please be sure to obtain the user's consent and take precautions such as doing so in front of them.

◎Developmental disorders
Developmental disorders are classified into several types, including autism, Asperger syndrome, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and tic disorders.What these people have in common is that they are born with a defect in some part of their brain.Some children may have intellectual delays, while others may have no or above average intellectual delays.It is not uncommon for the same person to have several types of developmental disabilities, and a characteristic of developmental disabilities is that each person's disability is different, so support tailored to each individual is required.

Sports for people with intellectual disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities can participate in sports such as track and field, swimming, table tennis, and badminton together with able-bodied people.Depending on the level of the disability, it may be difficult to understand the rules, so in such cases I try to make the rules simpler and have fun.

Sports Day/Sports Class
The Sports Center for the Disabled in Tokyo regularly holds sports days and sports classes for people with intellectual disabilities.

Trampoline class scene
Classes using trampolines and other equipment are also held.

Enjoying sports with people with intellectual disabilities

In order to enjoy sports with people with intellectual disabilities, it is necessary to pay attention to communication considerations and key points, and to consider what the person is interested in and to devise strategies tailored to the level of the disability.

Ingenuity of rules

Depending on their level of understanding of the rules, some people may be able to play the game in the same way as non-disabled people, but if the rules are difficult to understand, it is necessary to simplify the content and make it easier to understand.

Learning how to use sports equipment

If your child plays a sport that uses equipment, slowly and carefully explain how to hold and use the racket and ball.It is also a good idea to make storage methods easy to understand, such as by matching the colors and numbers of tools and storage boxes so that you can put them away.Let's make sure you can use the equipment safely and happily.

Find the best communication method

Find the most suitable communication method by trying words, illustrations, photographs, onomatopoeia, gestures, etc. to find the most suitable communication method.

Slowly with the helper involved

If you are unable to play by yourself or do not understand the game well, it may be helpful to have a helper help you.There are some things you can do together by having a caregiver or someone close to you play with you or act as a model.Let's take our time and work on it slowly.

Let's use music and sounds

Many people love music.Consider playing some music when you exercise.Many people like rhythmic gymnastics and dancing.However, some people are not good at sound, so it is necessary to understand the characteristics of each individual.

Key points for handling each facility (intellectual disability)

Shared facilities

• Reception ~Devices that allow all users, including people with disabilities, to use the service comfortably~
• Lobby/corridor/common space
• Changing room
• Assistance Dogs
• Shower
• Emergency response

Sports Facilities

• gymnasium
• Training room/gym
• Pool
• Other outdoor facilities

Before using the facility

• Points for implementing general orientation for persons with disabilities