Creating inclusive spaces in sport is essential for ensuring every young person feels welcome and supported.
Special Olympics New Zealand have launched a series of foundational eLearning modules, designed to help coaches, whānau, teachers, volunteers and sport administrators better understand intellectual disability and neurodivergence, and learn practical strategies for inclusion.
Inclusive practice benefits everyone. By learning how to remove barriers and adapt our approach, we can give more young people access to quality opportunities and experiences in physical activity. These modules offer practical tools and knowledge to make that happen.
The learning series includes 4 modules:
- Te Māramatanga: Understanding intellectual disability
A foundational overview of intellectual disability for anyone new to the sector –coaches, clubs, teachers, volunteers and whānau. - Te Ara Tākaro: Inclusion in sport
Builds on Te Māramatanga with a sporting lens. Learn how to remove barriers, apply the STEP (Space, Task, Equipment and People) model and understand inclusion in Aotearoa. - Embracing neurodivergence in sport
Practical strategies for coaches, teachers and volunteers to create environments that support athletes of all abilities, including neurodivergent participants. - Tīmatanga: Coaching foundation
Tools for coaches and coach developers to confidently deliver programmes for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
How to access
The modules are free and available now on Sport Tutor. (Registration is available for people who don’t have access.)
Photo credit: Special Olympics New Zealand
