BENEFITS OF MAKING A CLUB INCLUSIVE
More members, widening the access of your club will not only bring more members, but members friends, carers and family as further club members or volunteers.
Positive Publicity, running an inclusive club increases the possibility of the local press featuring your club in upbeat news story. Positive publicity will raise the profile of the club amongst the whole community.
Club Mark Status, if your club is inclusive it will help to achieve club mark status which carries the benefits of attracting more members, raising the profile of the club and improved club structure ensuring the club is run efficiently.
Funding, if your club has achieved club mark status and is inclusive it will have a better chance of receiving funding from a number of organisations.
Greater Links, a disabled section of your club could lead to new links and opportunities for everyone involved in the club.
Experience, club members gain a better understanding and positive view of disabled people.
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CLUB INCLUSIVE
Access, any building or venue your club uses should be physically accessible. This means the participant should be able to enter the facility unaided and have access to the toilet and washing facilities without assistance. It should have brightly lit entrances and clearly marked signs.
Promotion, when promoting your club don’t just focus on mainstream schools and clubs. Any promotional material your club sends out should be available in alternative formats.
Opportunities, ensure there are equal opportunities at your club for disabled and non disabled athletes. This could be disabled people included in mainstream sessions or disability specific sessions and teams. When planning your sessions make sure you take into account all your participants, you made need to consider the time, space and equipment you are using. You made need to search for extra coaches or allow carers into the session to enable everyone to take part.
Coaches, use coaches who are experienced in working with a wide range of abilities where possible. Less experienced coaches could be placed on courses to increase confidence and learn practical ideas of how to include disables performers.
Attitudes, the majority of young disabled people attribute non participation down to attitudes and perceptions of others. Disability awareness courses, positive case studies and experience of working with disabled people can lead to a better understanding and positive attitude towards disabled peopl.>
COURSES
Running Sport: A Club For All
A guide identifying the benefits of widening the access of your club.
TOP Sportsability
Aims to help participants identify how to use TOP Sportsability principles to support inclusion.
Coaching Disabled Performers
Develops coaching knowledge and skill to coach disabled performers though inclusive and separate coaching session