Our authors
About the author: Peter Downs
Founding Director - The Inclusion Club
Peter is Founding Director of The Inclusion Club and Manager of Play by the Rules – a national initiative to promote safe, fair and inclusive sport. Peter has worked for over 25 years in the field of inclusive sport, disability sport and physical activity including 17 years managing the Australian Sports Commission’s Disability Sport Unit. In 2013 Peter was fortunate enough to receive a Churchill Fellowship to study models of best practice in inclusive sport and physical activity.
Peter’s contributions
WeThe15
Multiple leading international organisations have united to launch WeThe15, which aspires to be the biggest ever human rights movement to represent the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities. Continue Reading WeThe15
The Diabetes Football Community
Created in February 2017, The Diabetes Football Community has been developed to support the needs of diabetics who share a passion for football. Chris Bright is the founder of the Diabetes Football Community and is a type 1 Diabetic who was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 8. We caught up with Chris to discuss The Diabetes Football Community. Continue Reading The Diabetes Football Community
I’m In Too – Listening to the voices of people with disability
Me Too – CARA campaign to give people with a disability a voice in constructing their own experiences of sport and recreation Continue Reading I’m In Too – Listening to the voices of people with disability
My Voice
People with disability have precious few opportunities to construct and voice their own story. When they do the result is powerful and different. Continue Reading My Voice
The 7 Pillars of Inclusion
What are the commonalities of inclusion for disadvantaged populations? The 7 Pillars of Inclusion presents a helicopter view of inclusion as a framework for greater levels of participation. Continue Reading The 7 Pillars of Inclusion
Empowerment through Circus Arts
Jill Maglio In this episode we talk to Jill Maglio from Holistic Circus Therapy. Jill uses circus activities as a tool to empower people with disability in a wide range of areas. It’s innovative, smart and inclusive. And fun, of course! Continue Reading Empowerment through Circus Arts
Do you have inclusion habits?
Our habits form our culture. What habits do you or your organisation have that influences how inclusive you or your organisation is? In this episode we explore habit formation and and suggest some ways to help you create inclusive habits. Continue Reading Do you have inclusion habits?
Are athletes inspirational?
It was Australian activist and comedian Stella Young that coined the phrase ‘Inspiration P**n.’ Sport has a habit of depicting athletes with disabilities as inspirational. What do you think—is this good or bad? Continue Reading Are athletes inspirational?
Inclusion Kenya-Style
In Episode 58 we look at the work of Peter Bukhala at Camp Shriver in Nairobi, Kenya. Peter faces many challenges in putting the program together—none of which have stopped him making a success of Camp Shriver. Continue Reading Inclusion Kenya-Style
Symbols of Inclusion (Part 2)
In part 2 of this mini-series we take a closer look at why symbols are an effective tool to aid communication and understanding, including a case study of how to use symbols for a swimming lesson. Includes 16 free swimming ‘ready to print’ symbols. Continue Reading Symbols of Inclusion (Part 2)
Symbols of Inclusion (Part 1)
Symbols, or visual aids, can be very effective tools to help communication and understanding. They are easy to create and can be applied to any sport setting. In Part 1 of this mini-series we look at why symbols are important and how we might use them… Continue Reading Symbols of Inclusion (Part 1)
Do coaches need knowledge of impairment to coach?
Here we explore a question that has been debated for years and try to clarify the issues that impact on the required knowledge of impairment a coach should, our should not, have to coach an athlete with a disability. A fascinated and long debate—please join in and add your contribution. Continue Reading Do coaches need knowledge of impairment to coach?
Play and Train from Spain
Play and Train are a not-for-profit organisation from Spain that is really pushing the boundaries of inclusion. Driven by a very strong commitment and passion of Sylvana Mestre and Mariona Mademont. They are a great example of what can be achieved—in a relatively short time—when you have these key ingredients. Here, we look at their work and hear from Mariona directly. Continue Reading Play and Train from Spain
Are you an Inclusion Linchpin?
What does it mean to be a Linchpin of Inclusion? Chances are, if you are reading this then you are a Linchpin of Inclusion yourself. In this episode we examine what this means and what it takes to be a Linchpin. We hear from a short baldy guy legend on the subject! Continue Reading Are you an Inclusion Linchpin?
Bankshot and the Rabbi of Roundball
Rabbi Reeve Brenner created an inclusive basketball type game in 1981—now there are over 300 courts world wide. Read about the phenomenon of Bankshot. Continue Reading Bankshot and the Rabbi of Roundball
Is this discrimination?
Following hot on the heels of Episode 43 Is This Inclusion? the theme of this episode is Is This Discrimination? Four videos to watch—you decide! The answers here are a bit more clear cut but no less important. Continue Reading Is this discrimination?
Is this inclusion?
Sometimes Inclusion is not so straightforward. In this very different episode you have four videos to watch. One question we ask. Then it’s up to you to respond in the comments section if you wish. Many people have! Continue Reading Is this inclusion?
Gymnastics for Everybody
We take a close look at a fantastic inclusive gymnastics program called Gymnastics for Everybody. It comes out of the work of Gymnastics Victoria in southern Australia. Gymnastics Victoria, with the support of VicHealth, have developed a very professional, intelligent and comprehensive approach to inclusion that could really serve as a model program of inclusion for any sport. Continue Reading Gymnastics for Everybody