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UK Deaf Sport- breaking down the barriers to deaf inclusion

UK Deaf Sport, sports coach UK and the National Deaf Children’s society are celebrating the second anniversary of a workshop aimed at breaking down the communication barrier of deaf awareness in sports.

The first Effective Communications; Coaching Deaf people in Sport course was launched two years ago this week to provide a Nationally accredited and quality assured training in deaf awareness and core communication skills for coaches.

To date 39 courses have been run with 487 people completing the workshops and being able to provide deaf inclusive activities. Over 50% of the courses have been delivered by deaf tutors who give a unique insight into deafness and deaf inclusion.

Clive Breedon National Participation Officer at UK Deaf Sport said:

“Through our research UK Deaf Sport are aware that communication difficulties and the confidence to become involved in sport are key issues for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The course has been well received by coaches and has had a significant impact on improving deaf awareness. It is now one of the main elements of the soon to be launched DEAFinitely Inclusive quality kite  mark, an accreditation process that will continue to support the development of Deaf Inclusive clubs  and the increase in the opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people to play, coach and volunteer in sport”

Sarah Milner, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at sports coach UK, said:

“sports coach UK is passionate about encouraging all members of the coaching family to be more inclusive in their practice and supporting more deaf people to coach and be coached. The partnership work with UK Deaf Sport and the National Deaf Children’s Society has been invaluable in developing this.”

 “Supporting deaf tutors to deliver this workshop provides further learning to participants and breaks down cultural barriers concerning the inclusion of deaf people in sport and sports development.”

There is still a need to increase deaf awareness in mainstream sports clubs to provide more opportunities for deaf people to play sport. Coach and sport club leaders are urged to consider enrolling coaches on to the workshop to ensure inclusion for all participants.

Photo credit: Leaderboard for England Golf

UK Deaf Sport encourages people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate, enjoy and excel at sport. They are one of eight National Disability Sport Organisations. You can find out more about the workshop via the sports coach UK website.