The classification rules of the International Federation for Powerlifting state that athletes with a physical impairment in their legs or hips, which would prohibit them compete in weightlifting are eligible to compete in the sport at the Paralympics.
Competitors are classified by bodyweight alone in Powerlifting: athletes with different impairments compete for the same medals.
Read an overview of classification at the London 2012 Paralympic Games
Athletes compete lying on a bench that is 40-50cm off the ground.