How to Coach Disabled People

The course that I attended was really interesting in terms of how to coach disabled athletes, the course raises a lot questions in terms of how we as coaches include disabled athletes. The course was an introduction to the likes of Inclusive Coaching: Disability. 

We discussed the importance of observations, as a coach it is crucial to be able to identify when an athlete needs help and support. Some athletes with hidden disabilities and learning difficulties need support in terms of explanations and getting on with the tasks. Athletes with physical disabilities or visual impairments will need support with different equipment or other aids that can help them participate. 

The Inclusive Spectrum consists of 4 areas; one of the areas is Open Activity which is basically a simple activity based on what the entire group can do with little or no modification. For example a warm up activity. Another area is Modified Activity which is when everybody does the same activity with adaptations to challenge the more able and support the inclusion of everyone. For example catching a football in a group but with the less able use a balloon so that the participant has longer to see the object. Parallel Activitiy is another area when participants are grouped according to ability. Each group doing the same activity but at appropriate levels. For example both groups could be doing hurdling but the more able completing more coaching points. The less abled group will still do hurdling but at a more basic level according to their needs and ability. The final area is Seperate Activity which is when an individual or group does a purposefully planned different activity. For example tennis players would go into seperate groups because the disabled players have different rules to suit the players needs. 

We had an interesting discussion about not being afraid to do the seperate activities because you don't want to compromise the training of the able athletes however, you don't want to segregate the less able from the able as you want to promote inclusivity. It's finding the right balance between being inclusive and coaching the different athletes within the different groups. 

Coaching can be adapted by using a method called STEPS; Space you play on for example, the size texture and height of goals. Task is making the game easier by altering the rules for example making it easier to score. Equipment can be adapted with weight, texture, colour, shape and size. Position of the activity such as standing still first before performing it moving and making sure participant can orient themselves. Finally the speed of the activity, for example catching can be difficult for athletes with visual impairments however, by changing the equipment slightly this can alter the speed of the ball for example, using a balloon instead of a football because a balloon will stay in the air longer. 

To conclude, I felt the course was worthwhile because it raised a lot of questions within my own coaching and how the group I coach at is run. I would recommend this course because it doesn't cost a lot if anything if your with a clubmark accredited club. Thanks for reading any comments to feedback is welcomed. 

@dannymaynard92