Wagga Wagga may be known as the City of Good Sports but there are still unseen barriers to participation in sport for persons with disabilities.
Wagga Wagga City Council has partnered with Sport4All to provide an inclusion coach for our community.
Wagga Wagga Sport4All Inclusion Coach Christina Judd said her role is to work with sporting clubs, schools and other community organisations to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
“It’s about creating conversations and breaking down barriers where we can, so hopefully we can get more people participating in sport,” Ms Judd said.
Ms Judd speaks openly about her own experiences as a person with low vision.
“I have a degenerative eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa.”
Ms Judd was 16 years old and a keen golfer when she realised she was having trouble seeing the golf ball.
“Over time, it has become worse, but I can still participate and play sports.”
Ms Judd, who now plays rugby league for the Junee Diesels, says the biggest barrier to participation is not knowing if you will be accepted.
“I played half a season before telling anyone that I had low vision, because I didn’t want anyone to think that I couldn’t participate,” Ms Judd said.
“I think the biggest barrier for people with disability is the fear of not knowing whether you’ll be accepted to play. You really have to put yourself out there, and it’s a little bit nerve-wracking.”
Working with a Sport4All inclusion coach can make that process less daunting for a person with disability and help them participate in sport how they choose.
“We know where our limits are and we can make those decisions for ourselves. We’re not going to put ourselves in a position to do something that we can’t do. It’s important for us to choose what our capacities are, whether that is in a volunteering role, a coaching role or actually participating in sport.”
Local sporting clubs, schools and other community organisations are being encouraged to engage with the Sport4All program.
The first step is a check-in survey that will help organisations understand where they are. The next step is an eight-module course, and the third step is setting concrete goals.
“Where this program differs is that it’s not just focussed on the learning. We actually develop that learning into tangible actions that make real change for people.”
Ms Judd points out that sometimes ‘the smallest of things’ can make a big difference, such as increasing the font size on flyers or unlocking an accessible bathroom.
“You can have good intentions, but to actually turn those good intentions into actions is the most important part.”
