NDP Community

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  • 1.  Segregated Competition Events for People with Disability

    Posted 24-10-2022 09:50
    What are peoples thoughts about segregated competition events for people with disability vs competing and participating in mainstream events

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    Mark Kulinski
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  • 2.  RE: Segregated Competition Events for People with Disability

    Posted 24-10-2022 11:55
    Hi Mark, I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all and a spectrum from disability to all abilities to elite sports is ideal so everyone can find a place, a way for them to participate.  While I am able bodied, I do not participate in elite sports (competitive sailing), and rather choose the team in which I have a role and can  fully participate. What do you think?

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    Jaqui Bond
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  • 3.  RE: Segregated Competition Events for People with Disability

    Posted 24-10-2022 13:57
    yes I agree, When I first started working the sector many years ago (a lot younger then). I was asked to support a group of clients to go bowling in a league for people with disabilities. I never forget there were aprox 50 people with disabilities bowling and having fun. At the other end of the alley there was a main stream league happening. I was a bit horrified at the segregation and lost opportunity. However after speaking to the bowlers with disabilities they gave me a  clear message that set my mind straight. We get to see our friends from across Adelaide once a week and feel comfortable and safe, don't take that away from us. (I learnt a valuable lesson ask first about the support people  want not what I think people should have). Eventually I was able to support a few people to join a main stream league but they also still bowled with their peers. Also we looked at how the two leagues could interact or not.

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    Mark Kulinski
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