LA28 targets record-breaking Paralympic Games with new accessibility push

Los Angeles will host its first Paralympic Games in 2028, opening at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 15. International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said the event will lift the movement to a higher standing, and LA28 vice-president of Paralympic strategy Ileana Rodriguez highlighted the need to showcase athletes instead of disabilities. Preparing the Games involves extensive accessibility upgrades throughout Southern California, especially on UCLA’s hilly campus where temporary ramps and modified restrooms are planned for the 4,480-person Paralympic village.

Swimmer Ali Truwit, who lost part of her leg in a 2023 shark attack, notes that even her national record times may not guarantee a podium finish in L.A. The organizers are applying lessons from the Paris Paralympics and the region’s World Cup to improve transportation and fan information, while disability advocates hope the legacy will extend beyond the event. Adaptive-sports programming through PlayLA is set to reach 5,000 participants by 2027, reflecting the Games’ broader impact.