A parent with a child with Asperger’s recalling the moment his son scored a basketball goal is among the stories told in a new guide to inclusion in sport.
“One of the most amazing moments was when a young kid on the team said to my son, ‘You are going to get a goal this game’,” Adrian recounts.
“No one cared about the score, they were all just out there to help him get a goal.”
Sports for Everyone: A guide to 360o Inclusion for Young People in Sport has been developed by the Hobsons Bay Community Fund with The University of Melbourne.
Six postgraduate social work students from the faculty of medicine, dentistry and health sciences set up a temporary base at the Footscray office of Compton Green Real Estate.
Professor Lou Harms said the students worked with Hobsons Bay and Wyndham councils, local parents and representatives from more than 20 clubs to develop the guide aimed at empowering people aged 12 to 18 years.
“We discovered that just over half of primary school-aged children are involved in sport and recreation clubs, but in high school and later teen years, this rate falls,” he said.
“Some young people face more barriers to participation than others – social, financial and physical – but when these are overcome, everyone benefits.”
One of the researchers, Isabella Orrells said exclusion was usually unintentional based on what was unfamiliar or misunderstood about a person’s abilities, needs and preferences.
“Working with the community showed us all that we are defined by more than one identity or ability and therefore our approach to inclusion shouldn’t just focus on one characteristic.”
Fund chairman Hayden Raysmith said the guide was a living document.
“It will be constantly updated and we’re inviting sporting groups to add and contribute case studies and examples of ways in which people with disabilities could be included.”
The guide was launched at the Fund’s inaugural Awards for Youth Inclusion in Sport and Recreation where seven local clubs and teams were honoured: Williamstown Seagulls, Glen Orden Sports Club, Barnstoneworth United Football Club, Rainbow Club of Point Cook, Williamstown Cannons Basketball Club, BBs Pool Team/Altona Sports Club and Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club.
Tips for Inclusion
• Ask if assistance is needed.
• Do your best to establish open communication about individual needs. Ensure an equitable and inclusive environment from policies to practices.
• Create clear boundaries against discriminatory behaviour.
• Establish a buddy system for new members.
• Talk about mental health openly and non-judgementally. Seek the help of a professional in supporting club members’ mental health.
• Have one entrance that is accessible for all rather than a special entry for people with mobility aids.
• Speak clearly and adjust the rate and volume of speech appropriately to assist with hearing impairment. Ensure signage is clear and concise.
• Make sure space is well lit and use colour contrast to assist with vision impairment.
• Speak in simple, short sentences to a person with an intellectual impairment/disorder. Break instructions down into simple and direct steps.
• Be considerate of other peoples’ cultures and differences. Start culturally-specific programs addressing specific needs.
• Be aware not everyone can afford new equipment or clothing. Allow payment to be made in instalments.
View Sports for Everyone: A guide to 360o Inclusion for Young People in Sport online at hbcommunityfund.org.au
Related: http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/bbs-bring-their-a-game/pub/maribyrnong_hobsons_bay/
