Key findings of the Bupa Beyond the Games survey, conducted by Quantum Market Research, which surveyed 1,000 Australians during and after the Paralympic Games, included:
- Watching the Paralympic Games resulted in one in three Australians having more conversations about disability.
- 56% said the Paralympic Games made them more aware of what living with a disability looks like.
- 64% agree the Paralympic Games made them see those with disability as just as capable as those without a disability.
- One in five who watched the Paralympic Games were inspired to take up a sport, and those with a disability were most likely to be actively considering doing so.
Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said the survey showed there was an immediate opportunity to build on the success of the Paris Paralympics to break down the barriers for those living with a disability.
“Millions of Australians watched the 2024 Paralympic Games, but it’s what we do now that the Games are over which will show how committed we are, as a society, to support those living with a disability.”
“Half of all Australians believe business, government and the wider community are not doing enough to assist and support those with a disability. This shows that the time is right to work together to drive the change required to make our communities more inclusive and accessible,” Mr Stone said.
“As the Official Healthcare Partner of the Australian Paralympic Team, Bupa is stepping up its own commitment to this change. We have accelerated our work to become a disability-confident workplace, including launching our first Access and Inclusion Plan earlier this year.
“Along with our commitment to Paralympics Australia, we are supporting organisations like Disability Sports Australia that complement PA’s work to make it easier for people of all abilities to participate in sport, which we know can shape healthier and happier lifestyles for everyone.
“Bupa is also working towards making healthcare more inclusive and accessible, through digital health services like Blua, which are available to our members anytime, anywhere.”
The Bupa Beyond the Games survey found the top five perceived challenges for those living with a disability are discrimination or stereotyping, accessibility issues, difficulty gaining employment, social exclusion and a lack of support and funding. Additionally, those with an ‘invisible disability’ often face scepticism or disbelief from others, exacerbating feelings of isolation and lack of support.
Of those surveyed, 56% watched the Paralympics, compared to just under the 64% who watched the Olympics. Viewership was highest among young families, demonstrating how our young people are embracing diversity and positive sporting events can bring families together.
Curtis McGrath OAM, Australian Paralympic multi-gold medallist in Para-canoe and Bupa Ambassador said it was encouraging to see increased coverage and interest in the Paralympics and hoped that heightened attention would push forward real action to address accessibility and inclusivity issues.
“It’s no surprise that sport, including Para-sports, continues to bring Australians together.
“It’s amazing to see more people supporting and cheering on our Paralympic team and being uplifted by the diverse range of athletes who competed. I hope that we have inspired the next generation of Para-athletes. However, there still needs to be better understanding beyond the sporting arena. We are still often only identified by our visible disability or dismissed if our disability is hidden,” McGrath said.
“I feel like now is the time to turn that excitement from the achievements at the 2024 Paralympic Games into real action and work together to make the world more accessible – even if they’re small changes in the beginning.”
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About Bupa Asia Pacific
Bupa is an international healthcare group which has been committed to a purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years.
Bupa Asia Pacific operates in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, supporting about 7.3 million customers through a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, dental, medical, optical and hearing services. Employing more than 22,000 people in the region, we believe that we can make a real difference to the lives of customers through our values, purpose and the way that we deliver personalised care.
Over the past 17+ years we have invested more than AUD$36 million in partnerships and programs focused on improving health of communities across Australia.
