A framework for creating a campus culture of compassion: A participatory action research approach to equality

Project Summary This dissertation united key stakeholders from the University of Guelph community in order to examine issues around accessibility and inclusion of students with disabilities in campus recreation and sport opportunities. The research team included representatives from the University of Guelph’s Centre for Students with Disabilities and the Department of Athletics, an undergraduate student…

Creating Inclusive Workplaces in Sport and Physical Activity

According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, one in five Canadians (6.2 million) aged 15 years and older experience one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily activities. The Survey also reported that while 59% of working age adults with disabilities are employed, there are significant differences amongst those with mild disabilities…

Para Sport Jumpstart Fund

The Para Sport Jumpstart Fund is designed to support introductory and early competition Para Sport experiences for children and youth with disabilities. Through this partnership between the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, organizations can access funding for registration, transportation and equipment costs. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2020.

Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Program

The 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games start today in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The international Healthy Athletes program includes a range of screenings that support a holistic approach to health, reducing the risk of preventable secondary health condition such as obesity, nutritional deficit, untreated or poorly treated vision, dental, hearing and podiatric problems. Learn more…

Gender-based Violence in Sport

Coaches can play an important role in teaching athletes about healthy relationships in and through sport. The Coaching Association of Canada is leading a new project to build the capacity of coaches and other sport system stakeholders to help prevent and address gender-based and teen dating violence. To learn about the project and complete coach and athlete…

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2019

In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, today’s SIRC blog features the Ability Toolkit, an evidence-informed resource that adapts the recommendations of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for children and youth with disabilities.

Including Children and Youth with Disabilities in the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines

Engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and limiting time spent inactive are well known and evidence-based prescriptions for the promotion of overall health and well-being(Tremblay et al., 2016). In fact, the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (ages 5-17) — which consolidate the evidence-based daily requirements for physical activity and inactivity, as well as sleep, into a single…

Integration in Sport: To Be or Not To Be

This summer, spectators around the globe witnessed the highs and lows of athletes during competition at the Pan and Parapan American Games. The Pan American Games took place from July 26 to August 11, and the ParaPan American Games from August 23 to September 1. Like the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Pan and Parapan…

Canadian Disability Participation Project Blog

While accessible sport activities, venues, and services are necessary for people of all abilities to participate in sport, accessibility does not guarantee positive sport experiences. A positive experience is about more than access: it’s about meaningful activities that provide participants with feelings of belonging, choice, challenge and success. For this reason, researchers from the Canadian…

Is Accessibility Enough? How to Create Quality Experiences in Parasport

In 2006, the United Nations endorsed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD) — a landmark convention that protects the right to participation in variety of social domains, including sport activities, venues, and services.  The CRPD has been ratified by Canada and 176 other countries around the world. Nonetheless, rates of sport…