Television Coverage at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

If I had to rate the amount of TV Coverage given to the London 2012 Paralympic Games overall, I would give it a five. As I have viewed various newspaper websites, I have noticed the complaints of interested viewers expressing their disappointment of not being able to watch the Paralympic Games on channels like Cable Vision.

Since I was apart of the Bermuda media team, I was right in the middle of all the excitement. As London was the host country for the Games, I think that Channel 4, and many other British channels really did a great job in televising the Paralympic events and athletes. It was really well supported, well attended and an overall success.

As someone with a physical challenge, I find this personally disheartening as many Paralympians, like Jessica Lewis, have worked extremely hard to get to this platform and it seems as if only a few people care.  They’ve firstly had to overcome their disability before overcoming the challenge of mastering a sport. Comparing Paralympians with Olympians, I think that the Paralympians had just a bit more courage and determination to compete at such a high level in sport. They refused to let people take pity on them, and refused to let their disabilities stop them from competing at such an advanced and sophisticated level.

I’ve had the wonderful privilege of witnessing the Games for myself and it was phenomenal. Just to see these Paralympians give it all they’ve got is amazing. I think it’s a shame that some either didn’t know or don’t even care about what’s going on in this part of the sporting world.

For those who wanted to watch it and were unable to, you missed out. I saw wheelchair users doing track and field, sitting volleyball, the partially sighted doing judo, swimmers with either no arms and no legs or one arm and no legs as well as the blind doing long jump. They’ve all done an outstanding job.

I personally and strongly feel that both the Olympics and the Paralympics should have received equal TV coverage, regardless of whether the public feel it is important or not, because it shows equality and fairness. These Paralympians are doing extraordinary things to outshine their physical challenges. They have put hours of blood, sweat and tears into preparing for various events, just like their non-disabled counterparts and it should be recognised!

About Daniella-Jade Lowe

Hello, My name is Daniella Jade Lowe. I am a PURSUN researcher and I am working on marketing myself as an Accessibility Consultant. Journalism and Politics are my passion. I have a BA degree in History and Politics. What type of disability do you have? At birth, I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which are neurological conditions. As a result, I use a wheelchair for mobility. What is disability to you? The only disability is a bad attitude. I have a disability. It doesn’t completely define me; it just enhances me in a way which differentiates and strengthens me. My disability should be viewed as an ability: to see the world in a different way. I don’t really like the term because sometimes it indirectly implies someone is dysfunctional or helpless. The most important thing is to never make assumptions. Someone with a disability can be very, physically, fit and strong, highly intelligent and articulate. What has been your experience from the time you remember till now? - positive and negative experiences. My life as a wheelchair user has been generally okay. Wheelchair Accessibility is frustrating. I was teased a little in school. Other than that, life is great. How do you cope with: -daily activities - your disability, do you have times when you are down - people's reactions towards you. I have carers, a Social worker, District Nurses, a GP, and extended family in this country. I am also in contact with a local disability charity in Yorkshire. I also have a friendly landlord. How do you keep yourself motivated? I must stay organised and practice good time management. I also prioritise my plans. What is your word or advice - to those with disabilities? - to the society Don’t let people put you in a box. You have a voice, use it. 10. Tell us about your platforms if you have any- Blog: The View from Where I Sit Facebook: Daniella Jade Lowe Instagram: @daniellajadelowe/@theviewfromwheresitblog Thank you!