With more evidence than ever showing physical activity’s positive impact on health, wellbeing and recovery, there’s no better time for practitioners to learn how to engage people with disabilities in sport and exercise.
Statistics from the Family Resources Survey show that one in four of the total population of the UK have a disability. As a result, demand is high for sector professionals with specialised training to work inclusively of this population.
There is an abundance of resources available for sector professionals looking to explore this topic:
- Activity Alliance offers expertise to engage more disabled people in sport
- Sense provides workshops for working with complex disabilities
- CIMSPA has defined the professional standard for working inclusively within the sport and physical activity sector
This guidance and support centres around the fundamentals, such as removing barriers to exercise, creating inclusive environments and building confidence by focusing on capabilities, not restrictions.
With this in mind, we’ve featured five courses to improve inclusivity for disabled clients within your facilities, forming a part of your continued professional development. These CPD opportunities comprise of in-person and online learning to help keep your development flexible. Plus, we’ve signposted further relevant resources to allow you to develop and apply your knowledge.
CPD
1. Introduction to Neurodiversity
Provided by STA
0.75 CIMSPA CPD points
This training module is part of the comprehensive suite of training and certification offered by the global leaders in inclusive aquatics, Autism Swim.
In this individual training module, learners will discuss what characteristics might be seen in participants who are neurodiverse and how they can support their needs, preferences and goals in aquatic sessions.
What you’ll learn:
- Understand the definition of neurodiversity and the criteria that needs to be met to receive an autism diagnosis
- Identify the strengths and challenges of participants
- Understand the three areas of the brain and how they relate to one another, specifically in the context of teaching participants new skills
- Make considerations to ensure a successful lesson/session
2. Including Disabled People in Triathlon
Provided by British Triathlon
3 CIMSPA CPD points
This engaging and informative online workshop, facilitated by experienced tutors, is designed to equip coaches, activators and leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to create an inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities.
What you’ll learn:
- Develop an understanding of the needs of disabled people
- Understand the factors that affect participation
- Create an inclusive triathlon club environment to engage and enthuse disabled people
- Create sessions and adapt activities that are inclusive for participants with specific disability considerations including visual, hearing, physical and cognitive impairment as well as mental health conditions
- Be familiar with how assistive devices, equipment and venues can support inclusive activities and session for participants
- Understand a variety of ways to effectively communicate with all participants and supporters
- Consider how to promote inclusive sessions
3. SEND Training: Inclusive Dance for Children and Teens
Provided by Future Fit Training
8 CIMSPA CPD Points
This programme is designed for dance teachers looking to expand their skills in inclusive dance instruction and professionals in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) settings who want to introduce movement-based activities. The course provides the knowledge and practical techniques needed to deliver engaging, accessible dance sessions for children and teens with disabilities, visual impairments, long-term health conditions (LTHC), limited mobility or special educational needs.
What you’ll learn:
- Gain a deep understanding of various disabilities and special educational needs
- Use inclusive language and communication techniques, including Makaton signs and symbols
- Develop skills in planning and delivering engaging, adaptive seated dance classes
- Explore creative choreography ideas and mindfulness activities suitable for all abilities
- Create a safe, inclusive and motivating environment for your participants
4. Delivering an excellent service for disabled customers
Provided by Activity Alliance
1 CIMSPA CPD Point
This eLearning module aims to help you build more welcoming and accessible environments at sports and leisure centres. It offers practical guidance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence in providing excellent customer service for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
What you’ll learn:
- Inclusive customer service
- Perceptions of disability
- Legislation and reasonable adjustments
- Effective communication
- Good practice for serving people with specific impairments and health conditions
- Creating a welcoming and accessible environment
5. An Introduction to Cerebral Palsy in Sport and Physical Activity
Provided by UK Coaching
1 CIMSPA CPD Point
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects movement and coordination. It’s the most common motor disability in childhood. Exercise is a powerful tool in managing the condition – it can help children with cerebral palsy avoid injury and reduces the impact of associated disorders and illnesses. This means that coaches have a valuable role to play in supporting people with cerebral palsy to enjoy taking part in physical activity and sport.
Learning more about what it is like to have cerebral palsy will be a powerful tool in your coaching toolkit, enabling you to further grow and develop as a coach.
Through the course, you will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence that you need to run inclusive and creative sessions. You’ll leave with a toolkit to welcome people with cerebral palsy and give them a meaningful opportunity to take part and reach their goals.
What you’ll learn:
- Develop a clear understanding of cerebral palsy
- Explore tools and ideas that can help you overcome challenges at your sessions
- Consider practical techniques for adapting sessions to include people with cerebral palsy
Discover more CPD
More endorsed courses – find training and CPD opportunities to support you throughout your career in sport and physical activity.
Visited Endorsed Training Directory
Training Academy – discover the highest quality training and development opportunities with courses endorsed and mapped to our sector professional standards, provided by organisations that have achieved CIMSPA’s highest quality assurance outcomes.
Your CPD Library –there’s a variety of complimentary learning available via your dashboard. Visit ‘My CIMSPA partner offers’, then ‘Your CPD Library’ for different ways to maintain your professional status and earn valuable CPD points including SkillGate, our eLearning platform, complimentary learning from our partners and other skill development opportunities.
FitPro* – explore the FitPro online education platform from your home or on the go and stay relevant in the sector.
Not a FitPro member yet? You can access FitPro via your dashboard. Log in and look under the ‘My CIMSPA partner offers’ tab, then ‘Discounts’ and click ‘FitPro’ to get started.
*Only eligible membership categories.