1st Conference on Physical Activity Sciences and Quality of Life in Acapulco, Mexico

Talk: "From Stereotypes to 'Dis-ability': A Comprehensive Qualitative Framework for Evaluating Paralympic Representation in the New Media Generation"

Event: International Presentation and Expert Workshops for the "Dis-ability" Project

Location: Acapulco & Monterrey, Mexico (December 2025)

Presenters: Prof. Sakis Pappous and Prof. Pablo Gómez-Iniesta

Summary: As part of the international dissemination of the PRIN-PNRR "Dis-ability" project, Prof. Sakis Pappous and Prof. Pablo Gómez-Iniesta presented the newly developed "Dis-ability" MOOC at the 1st Conference on Physical Activity Sciences and Quality of Life in Acapulco. The presentation highlighted using qualitative methods to challenge Paralympic stereotypes for a new generation of media students.

Following the conference, a series of strategic workshops were held with Spanish-speaking experts from the University of Barcelona, ESEF (Higher School of Physical Education, Acapulco), and the Facultad de Organización Deportiva (FOD) of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL). In collaboration with National Paralympic Committees of Central and South America, these sessions focused on adapting the "Dis-ability" E-learning tool into Spanish. This ensures the Dis-Ability platform will be ready for use in future editions of the Parapan American Games and forthcoming Paralympic Games, expanding the project’s impact across the Spanish-speaking world.

The conference was a great success, involving researchers from Mexico, Italy, and Spain and fostering an interactive exchange of ideas grounded in scientific evidence. These subsequent workshops have now established a vital bridge for the project’s sustainability in Latin America.