More and more coaching resources and materials are emerging that focus on including people with a disability in sport. The principles of adapting and modifying activities to include people with a disability are constantly developing as research and programme development continues.
Key tips for including people with a disability in sport:
Treat people with disabilities who participate in sport as athletes
Focus on what the athlete can do and has the potential to do. A lack of skill does not necessarily indicate the lack of potential ability
Teaching or coaching style, rules, equipment and the environment can all be adapted and modified to promote active participation from every person
Use the athlete as a resource of information on themselves, and ask them what they can do and how specific tasks may be modified to suit their skill level
Whether a disability is acquired from birth or later in life may have an impact on a person’s basic skill level
Including people with disabilities is simply good coaching
