Cara has launched a new Xcessible Club Toolkit which aims to help clubs across multiple sports become more aware of and welcoming to people with disabilities.
With the support of Sport Ireland, the toolkit is a guided resource that will empower clubs to positively and meaningfully provide opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in sport and physical activity at a local level.
People with a disability are often underrepresented in sport. Research from the Irish Sports Monitor (2019) suggests that people with disabilities in Ireland are less likely to be involved in Sport. Just over a third (35%) of those who have a disability in Ireland are involved socially in sport as club members, volunteers, and / or regularly attending sports events, compared to half (50%) of those without a disability.
Much of this difference comes from differing club membership levels between both groups. While two-fifths (40%) of those with no disability are members of a sports club, just under a quarter (24%) of those with a disability are club members.
Reducing differentials like this is a key part of Sport Ireland’s strategy and is one that has strong backing from Government.
“It is so important that people with disabilities have the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity and enjoy the many physical, mental and social benefits,” said Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers.
“I am delighted to see that Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland have developed this toolkit. So many sports clubs across the country will benefit greatly from the toolkit which will guide and empower them to become more inclusive of people with disabilities.”
“This toolkit will support any clubs that have applied for the Sport for All funding in guiding them through a staged approach to becoming more inclusive. The toolkit is available now for clubs to download now so I would encourage all sports clubs to get involved and be inclusive.”
Through the implementation of the Xcessible Club Toolkit, Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland aims to support clubs to ensure that they feel empowered to proactively plan and build capacity within their club.
This will ensure that more people with disabilities are actively involved in sport and physical activities at club level in their local area and in multiple roles.
“This toolkit is built on the living experience as shared by people with disabilities and simply asks all clubs to consider five key principles to providing greater awareness, access and opportunities within their sports at local level,” said Niamh Daffy, CEO at Cara.
“Through this initiative, we are delighted to continue to work with Sport Ireland in supporting the Sport for All government agenda across Ireland.”
“Sport and physical activity play such an important role in people’s lives, I am excited to see a guided resource available to the sector to support sports clubs in becoming more inclusive,” concluded Dr Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland.
“There is a role for everyone in their local sports club and this toolkit will empower clubs to positively and meaningfully provide opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in sport and physical activity at a local level. The toolkit is supported by Sport Ireland and is available to download now on the Cara website now.”
The toolkit and supporting resources are available at www.caracentre.ie
