Improving Leisure Centre Access for People with a Disability in Victoria
The 'Inclusive Leisure Initiative' is a joint project between Inclusive Leisure Victoria (formerly VICNORD) and Aquatics & Recreation Victoria.
With funding from VicHealth’s Participation in Community Sport and Active Recreation (PICSAR) Grants over a four-year period, the aim is to pilot a statewide initiative to improve the accessibility of leisure centres for people with a disability.
Based on an English program called 'Inclusive Fitness Initiative' (IFI), this 'Inclusive Leisure Initiative' works strategically to set consistent standards in the leisure industry, thereby assisting leisure centres to become inclusive. The initiative has led to the development of a quality mark for centres to work towards, which in turn advertises to people with a disability the centres have considered their needs.
Based on an English program called 'Inclusive Fitness Initiative' (IFI), this 'Inclusive Leisure Initiative' works strategically to set consistent standards in the leisure industry, thereby assisting leisure centres to become inclusive. The initiative has led to the development of a quality mark for centres to work towards, which in turn advertises to people with a disability the centres have considered their needs.
The project will focus on six main areas, including training – for centre staff and fitness instructors; accessible equipment; facility accessibility; policies and procedures; marketing; and leisure education courses – educating people with disabilities about their rights to access and benefit from leisure involvement.
For more information or to be involved in the project please contact Hanna Phillips from Inclusive Leisure Victoria via email or phone (03) 9489 2999, or cindy Needham from Aquatics and Recreation Victoria via email or phone (03) 9271 3809.
What's Happening - Best Practice for Inclusion in Victoria!
Sunshine Leisure Centre demonstrate Inclusive 'Best Practice'.
An article published in a local Brimbank newspaper highlighted a "New Cardio Machine Boon for the Disabled - Marvellous for Mobility" at Sunshine Leisure Centre. Click here to download the article.
The article promotes the recent purchase of a 'hand-cycle' for the facility using the funds provided as part of the Inclusive Leisure Initative. A mermber of Sunshine Leisure Centre 'Mr Uulf', whom has been quadriplegic for eight years, praised the gym's disability-friendly staff and infrastructure.
Promoting the new equipment and awareness of staff through the local newspaper is a positive step toward increasing inclusiveness of people with disabilities.
Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre launch MARC-abilities: Inovative support for people with a disability.
Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre's - Attendant Support Initiative (ASI) is now available Centre Wide!
Within the NEW program an Attendant Support Worker can assist people with a disability in the Aquatic area, Gymnasium, Group Exercise Classes and PT Sessions.
Please click here to download the MARC-abilities flyer for more details.
JCAAA, Blind Sports Victoria and Swimming Victoria are making a splash!
JCAAA, Blind Sports Victoria and Swimming Victoria are offering a 6 week swimming program for people who have low or no vision. This program caters for all levels of swimming abilities and can be tailored to suit individual needs.
Please click here for more information on this program.
Newsletters & Articles of Interest:
- City of Melbourne AAA Autumn Newsletter - 2010
- Hume and Moreland AAA Newsletter - Winter 2010
- Brimbank AAA Newsletter - Autum 2010
Scope - Inclusive Communication for Facilities
Scope’s Communication Resource Centre (CRC) is part of the Communication Access Network (CAN) in Victoria for people with complex communication needs. CAN is funded by the Department of Human Services.
The aim of the CRC and Regional Communication Services is to ensure that people with communication difficulties and their communication partners, communicate successfully and effectively. Regional Communication Services (RCS) are part of the statewide Communication Access Network. There are 11 Regional Communication Services located across 18 Victorian sites.
The services support individuals to communicate effectively and participate in their own communities. They provide information, advice, resources and services for:
- Adults with complex communication needs
- Shops, services and local businesses
- Recreation and leisure groups
- Any person who supports people with complex communication needs
- Community services
Please see the links below to find your leisure centre's closest communication service!
Useful Links
- Independent Living Centres Australia - Products
- Resources: Social Inclusion Australia
- Find your facilities local SCOPE service
- Find your facilities Regional Communication Service
- 'Way with Words' - Guidelines for the portrayal of people with a disability
- Discrimination and Disability/Impairment Fact Sheet: Victoria Equal Opportunities and Humman Rights Commission
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