A research project led by SHORE & Whariki Research Centre in collaboration with Sport New Zealand is helping schools and communities identify and tackle ableism in sport, PE and active recreation – through a thought-provoking comic that’s making inclusion visible. Penelope Caroll, Linda Madden and Karen Witten explain more.

Participation in sport and active recreation is a fundamental right – one that brings social connection, wellbeing and a sense of belonging. But for many disabled young people, full participation remains out of reach.

Sport and Physical Education are recognised as key to creating a non-disabling society. Inclusion is a stated priority for many sports bodies and schools, with frameworks designed to support disabled students’ participation in mainstream activities.

But policies don’t always translate into practice. Many disabled students continue to face barriers their nondisabled peers do not. A growing body of evidence highlights

that these barriers are often the result of unconscious ableism – entrenched ideas, attitudes and practices that can unintentionally exclude disabled young people.

Understanding ableism in sport and recreation

Ableism is a form of discrimination that privileges ablebodied norms and devalues people with impairments. It plays out both structurally – in how environments and systems are designed; and interpersonally, in how people interact, make assumptions, or exclude without realising. In sport, where particular bodies and performances are idealised, these forms of ableism can be amplified. The result? Some young people may never even consider joining a team or club, sensing they’re not ‘meant’ to be there.

This was reinforced in research from SHORE & Whariki (Massey University), with disabled young people who identified ‘other people’s attitudes’ as the biggest barrier to their daily participation –especially in sport and PE settings.

These experiences of exclusion can affect not just physical wellbeing, but also confidence and connection.

A comic that calls time on exclusion

In response, researchers from SHORE & Whariki have partnered with illustrator Toby Morris to develop Red Cards for Ableism – a research-informed comic designed to help educators, coaches and schools recognise and respond to exclusionary practices.

The project, Tackling ableism to increase participation in sport, PE and active recreation, is funded by the Health Research Council and is grounded in collaboration with teachers and sport providers across Aotearoa.

The comic presents real-life scenarios based on research findings – moments where disabled young people are subtly or overtly excluded.

It holds up a mirror to common attitudes: “It’s too hard,” “we don’t have the resources,” or “that’s just life.” With each scene, readers are offered a metaphorical red card and a moment to pause and reflect.

“Toby’s comic encourages teachers and coaches to identify and reflect on ableism,” say the researchers, “and think about how practices and environments can be reimagined to work for everyone.”

Red Cards for Ableism doesn’t shame – it educates. It invites us all to shift our thinking from “what’s easiest for the system?” to “what’s fair for the learner?”

The full comic is available online to view, download and print. Schools and communities are encouraged to use it in PLD sessions, staff meetings or sport planning discussions.

Download the comic Red Cards for Ableism – Toby Morris and SHORE & Whariki at shoreandwhariki.ac.nz.

For posters, you can contact shoreandwhariki@massey.ac.nz.