Some new team recruits are set to lace up their footy boots and wear a football guernsey for their local club following a successful information session by APM Communities.
Anthony Pyle, a team member at APM Communities, presented at the Kelmscott Football Club’s Inclusive sport expo on February 13 at John Dunn Hall in Kelmscott.
“As part of our presentation we provided examples of the valued roles we have assisted to create around Western Australia and how clubs can develop roles for people with disability and create pathways to sport, “Anthony said.
“We were able to present about valued roles in community, inclusive sports and how to include people with disability in a club.”
Anthony explained to event attendees that clubs and community groups can identify roles within their club and link people with disability who would love to be part of the club.
There are many jobs or positions that exist within all clubs that are essential for club operation and success. These include being a player, volunteer, committee, or social member.
Many of the people in attendance were National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants who had been linked into the event by their Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and many were ready to sign up on the day and start training that week.
APM Communities helps NDIS participants and people with disability to identify and access the support they need. LACs work directly with people with disability, carers and supporting family members.
As part local services APM Communities also provides practical advice, information and support to businesses, organisations, and groups to improve services for people with disability.
The aim is to increase inclusion in the communities through projects and partnerships that develop more opportunities for people with disability.
Anthony said Kelmscott football club had already developed a range of paid roles for people with disability to undertake to continue to build their skills towards employment and are exploring how to involve people with disability further in club life and culture.
The information session was a success and generated interest from people with disability wanting to play sport and be part of club life.
“We had a really great attendance and many people living with disability signed up to join the club on the day to start their first integrated team.”
As part of the NDIS Partners in the Community program, APM Communities help people with disability in several regions in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory to access support.
Our Local Area Coordinators (LACs) help people with disability, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, families and carers to identify and access the support they need.