WHY DOES INCLUSION MATTER?
Text version
Who Benefits and How?
BY THE NUMBERS
* 22% of the population over 15 in Canada have a disability, 40% of these are classified as severe.
* The numbers rise to 38% among seniors.
* By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness
* 1 in 68 children have Autism, a 100% rise in the last 10 years.
* 53% of youths with a disability encounter barriers to taking part in leisure activities.
* 94% of people with disabilities feel that they do not have meaningful community participation.
* 85% of Canadians don’t get enough exercise, which increases their risk for virtually all chronic health conditions. For people with disabilities, nearly 14% of the Canadian adult population, their risk of developing inactivity-related illnesses is even higher.
BENEFITS
* Sport can open a new world for people with disabilities, they become stronger, healthier, more confident, more selfsufficient, with a greater sense of belonging.
* Rehabilitation is enhanced, leading to greater independence.
* Less depression, less anxiety, increased confidence.
* Inclusive sport changes community perceptions of people with disabilities, focusing attention on their achievements and abilities.
* The benefits are huge for families: if a recreation centre is inclusive families feel more welcome and supported, reversing isolation and the cascading effective of negative attitudes.
THE METHOD
* Talk about inclusion, arm people with the questions to start a conversation.
* Start somewhere, presence creates awareness, one encounter can create a ripple effect.
* Networks are powerful: Families, siblings, volunteers, students all take the message out into the community.
* Listen even if you think you already know.
* You don’t have to be an expert but you do need to have frank dialogue to determine where people are and what they need.
* We are all still learning: inclusion means the ability to adapt, be flexible, non threatening.
*WALL: Watch, Ask, Listen, Learn.
"You gain so much learning from other people who are not like you, you learn and enrich your life."
This infographic was created by Recreation Integration Victoria through funding provided by the Victoria Foundation. The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability is grateful for the permission to share this information.