Disability Inclusion in Paddlesports

Image: Logo of Paddle-Able

The PaddleAble programme is aimed at promoting the inclusion of people with additional support needs in paddle sports. As part of this we have some extremely inspirational ambassadors leading the way for people with a wide range of abilities engaging in paddle sports. These powerful stories are in inspiration to those with additional needs looking to get out on the water. The final videos of this series are sponsored by TOBIN, a company with a strong focus on ESG and community, TOBIN are the perfect partner to support us to promote the opportunities and accessibility of paddle sports, and continue to grow our community. Check the videos out below –

Disability Inclusion in Clubs

Help your club become more inclusive by following these steps –

1.

Sport Inclusion Disability Charter

Help us become a more inclusive sport and sign up to the Active Disability Ireland Charter. Signing up means that people with disabilities will recognise your club as working towards inclusivity and being welcoming to all. Active Disability Ireland are the NGB for Sport inclusion in Ireland and they have some brilliant resources available. Check out the Cara Disability Fact Sheets.

2.

Inclusion in Paddle sports Workshops

We have 3 webinars recorded which cover the topics: Disability Awareness in Paddle sports, Autism Awareness in Paddle sports & Physical Disability Awareness in Paddle sports. These include individuals with autism and a wheelchair user, as well as some of the top instructors in the field speaking from their experience. Click below to watch the recordings –

Disability Awareness and Inclusion

Autism Awareness in Paddlesports

Physical Disabilities in Paddlesports

3.

Canoeing Ireland developed the Good2Go Award which is perfectly suitable for people of all abilities to get started with paddle sports. It can be taught on any paddle sports craft, and focuses on the personal benefits of paddle sports! Try this with groups/individuals if the general awards are not suitable or too technical heavy to start with. Click below to find out more about the Good 2 Go programme –

4.

Stay Connected! Join the PaddleAble Community Facebook group to connect with other clubs, providers, groups and individuals who are progressing paddle sports for people of all abilities. Ask for advice, give advice and learn from each other. Join the group below –

5.

Connect with local and national organisations to help preparing for different people who you are encouraging to join your club –

If you have any further questions or wish to connected directly with any of these organisations please contact emer@canoe.ie

More Resources

PaddleAble

The PaddleAble programme aims to enable more opportunities for people with disabilities to find longevity in paddle sports within their community. If you want to run a PaddleAble Programme in your club and need support, please contact emer@canoe.ie

Programme Aims

1.

Enable more opportunities for people with disabilities to find longevity in paddle sports within their community.

2.

Increase opportunities for people with disabilities to join local clubs.

3.

Encourage and support more clubs to engage with people in their community who have additional needs