Sydney, Australia: The Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability (ASAPD) has today launched its disability inclusion education modules for sports coaches, the first of its kind in Australia.
An alliance formed by eight leading National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs), ASAPD aims to collaborate, advocate, and facilitate inclusive sport and physical activity for people with a disability, impairment, or limitation.
The program was developed by three of the ASAPD members; Blind Sports Australia, Deaf Sports Australia and Sport Inclusion Australia, in partnership with Inclusive Sport Design, and is made possible by funding from the Australian Sports Commission. The valuable resource aims to help sports organisations, clubs and volunteers to increase participation and improve awareness of inclusion practices through education, advice, and support services.
The 60-minute online course is free to access and provides essential skills, understanding and knowledge in a practical, real-life way, and forms the basis of how to be a more inclusive coach of people with a disability in sport and active recreation programs and activities.
ASAPD Chair, John Croll, said the project was a milestone for not only the ASAPD organisation but for the sector and improving disability inclusion in sports around the country.
“This initiative is an important step in encouraging everyone involved in sports at all levels to better understand the needs of people with disability or impairment. Information is critical to break down these barriers, and we look forward to seeing all clubs and coaches access the course and educate themselves on creating a culture of inclusion” John said.
The course contains valuable experiences and advice from individuals with disability and coaches, providing confidence to support players and athletes to access sport and physical activity options and pathways, and is now available on the Australian Sports Commission’s Learning Centre.
For more information on the course visit: https://asapd.org/resources/