Including people with disability in sport and recreation
Sport and recreation enables greater
connections to community
Everyone has the right to be a part of an inclusive and welcoming
community where their contribution is recognised and valued.
People with disability should have equal opportunity to participate
in a mainstream community club.
Participation in community sport or recreation provides an
opportunity to develop physical skills and social connectedness.
This can be a life-changing experience especially for those with
limited social networks. For clubs, opening their doors to all
people in the community helps break down stereotypes and build
a stronger club culture. By welcoming everyone to participate
clubs are likely to experience an increase in club membership
and thus revenue, more volunteers and increased funding
opportunities.
The inclusion spectrum
There are a variety of ways to participate in sport and recreation.
The Inclusion Spectrum outlines five alternative modes and can be
a useful tool to encourage clubs to focus on modifying activities to
support inclusion. When modifying activities to support inclusion,
clubs must be mindful to balance maximising individual potential
and maintaining activity integrity.
Handy tips when working with people
with disability
- Don't make assumptions about a person’s abilities. If you’re
not sure what someone can do just ask!
- Speak and/or partner with service providers who work with
people with disability
- Think about putting in place an inclusion policy so inequity/discrimination can be addressed quickly
- Provide safe, friendly and accessible environments
- Mix physical and social activities
- Allow participants to help plan programs
- Build confidence by including non-competitive activities
- Relax! People with disability are just people
- Speak to adults with disability as adults
- Ask before you help and respect a person’s right to refuse
your help
- Always speak directly to the person with disability. If the
person is with a carer or interpreter do not direct your
conversation to them.