The BCS State Capitol of La Paz is celebrating its third day of inclusive swimming pool diving, breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. The inclusive diving event was held at the Guillermo “Memo” Ayón Municipal Sports Center (CEDEM) as part of a strategy to transform recreation into an accessible and transformative space for people with disabilities.
The activity was organized by the Municipal Inclusion Directorate of the 18th La Paz City Council, with the support of the Pulmo Foundation and the El Dorado Foundation, consolidating an inclusion model that goes beyond institutional discourse.
More than 25 people with various disabilities, including motor, intellectual, and neurodivergent conditions, participated in this aquatic experience accompanied by certified instructors and staff specialized in inclusion and accessibility. To ensure their safety and well-being, adapted masks and modified life jackets were used, demonstrating that the desire to include begins with concrete actions.
The event not only provided a unique experience for attendees, but also sent a powerful message of equity and visibility. Parents, family members, and volunteers shared moments of excitement as they witnessed how diving has become a pleasant tool for inclusion.
Fabricio Arraut, head of the Inclusion Department, highlighted the social impact of the event; “Inclusive diving is more than a recreational activity; it’s a right for them to experience, and dignify, and to be seen as equals.” With these types of activities, La Paz is positioning itself as a national benchmark in recreational accessibility, moving toward a city that embraces diversity and breaks down the stigmas associated with disability.
Disability stigma encompasses negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards individuals with disabilities, often stemming from a lack of understanding and perpetuating discrimination. It can manifest as social avoidance, stereotyping, and denial of opportunities, impacting various aspects of life for people with disabilities. This stigma is often rooted in ableism, a system that devalues individuals with disabilities, and can lead to significant barriers to participation and inclusion.
Where people with disabilities may be excluded from social activities and interactions. People with disabilities may face barriers in employment, housing, education, and healthcare. Education and public awareness campaigns can help dispel myths and misconceptions about disability. And this newfound campaign by La Paz is an exceptional effort in helping those with disabilities.