Creating Inclusive Environments: Breaking Down Barriers to Participation
Embracing inclusion in sports and community centers not only fosters a sense of belonging but also enhances social connections and overall community well-being. By focusing on accessibility, positive attitudes, practical choices, partnerships, inclusive communication, firm policies, and equal opportunities, we can create a more welcoming and diverse environment for all. Discover the benefits of promoting inclusion and overcoming cultural barriers for a stronger, more connected community.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Reducing Barriers to Participation
Reducing Barriers to Participation Cultural Barriers Graham O Brien (Girraween) Disability Inclusion Carwyn Potbury & Ben Waldron (North Rocks/Carlingford)
Reducing Barriers to Participation Sport should be accessible, safe, and fun for everyone to be part of and enjoy. Creating inclusive sports is the right thing to do because, ultimately, it nurtures a society that gives everyone a sense of belonging. Being part of an inclusive sport environment gives individuals positive social and health outcomes. It provides a space where diverse groups can build trust in one another, helping to break down social and cultural stigmas or barriers, and strengthen overall community connections.
Benefits to us as Little A Centres Adopting a proactive and conscious focus on inclusion for your centre will: help to secure the long-term sustainability of your centre increase membership, volunteer and participant base expand sponsorship opportunities develop a stronger, better connected sport community increase community support and public image enrich the culture and increase comfort and awareness at your centre.
7 Pillars of Inclusion Helicopter view of inclusion which looks at the common elements that contribute to creating inclusive environments that reflect the communities that we live in. The seven pillars are: Access - create a more accessible, welcoming environment in your centre Attitude - a positive attitude goes a long way to making inclusion a reality Choice - focus on finding practical ways for all people to participate at their level. Partnerships - Effective, mutually-beneficial partnerships Communication - Inclusive communication means you may need to change your habits and adapt your methods on how you speak and listen to existing and new members Policy - firm commitment to member protection and complaints resolution Opportunities - make practical changes to what we do so that all people get a fair go
Cultural Barriers Communities evolve over time Girraween in 2001 was very different to Girraween in 2023 Source: Australian Bureau Of Statistics 2001 Census
Cultural Barriers Communities evolve over time Girraween in 2001 was very different to Girraween in 2023 Source: Australian Bureau Of Statistics 2021 Census
Cultural Barriers Strategies to be more culturally inclusive Committee Composition This one is a must (communities need to feel they have the opportunity for a say and that they will be heard) Canteen Offering Cultural Competition Days/Nights Registration Technical Support Parent Helper/Age Manager Briefing Packs Multi-Lingual Information Flyers
Cultural/Ability Barriers At Girraween Little As, for a high proportion of members, is the only sport they participate in (others its one of two Cricket the other) Athletes and parents hesitate to register thinking its all about performance Recognise all athletes Centre point score system aligned to PBs (doesn t have to be best performer) Inter-centre challenges for all regardless of performance Actively find places for every athlete at zone champs Promote training to improve gross motor skills Make it fun Consider competition nights as opposed to Saturday clashing with other sports
Cultural/Ability Barriers There isn t one answer What does you centre do to engage your community?
Resources Australian Sports Commission www.sportaus.gov.au/integrity_in_sport/inclusive-sport Play by the Rules https://www.playbytherules.net.au/got-an-issue/inclusion-and-diversity
