Becoming Para Ready: Programming

Programming - Different ways to include and integrate

The sport inclusion spectrum is comprised of five approaches that encourage athletes with and without a disability to engage in appropriate, quality sport opportunities: Open, modified, parallel, separate, disability specific. As with any group you coach, you’ll adapt your approach to Para athletes depending on their event group and individual needs. The descriptions of each model highlighted below has been adapted from the Inclusion Spectrum.
 
Integrated (Open): Training/Programming takes place within an Athletics club without modification or Para-specific coaching
Included (Modified): Training/Programming takes place within an Athletics club with modifications and coaching specific to your needs 
Parallel: Training/Programming takes place alongside the Athletics club (same time and place), but with modification and a dedicated Para Coach
Separate: Training takes place and is supported by the Athletics club but is Para focused and takes place at a different time and place
Disability Sport: Training/Programming is supported entirely by a Disability Sport Organization
  
ACTIONS

• Identify how your program/club/branch/organization can support Para Athletes. 
• Don't shy away from getting started because you don't feel you can support everyone. There are many ways to integrate and include Para Athletes
• Apply for Grants to help with starting a program such as Jumpstarts Community Development Grant 
• Apply for the Becoming Para Ready Grant