Will promoting inclusion create more work for people at our organisation?

Developing these frameworks and activities is not about unnecessarily adding to people’s workloads or responsibilities; it is about opening you up to opportunities. Safe, fair and inclusive sport does require translating good attitudes into action, and inevitably this means challenging and changing the status quo. This may mean rethinking how you can do something different or better; and how we can change existing attitudes and habits.

Can I get into trouble for using the wrong term – Indigenous or Aboriginal; multicultural, ethnic or CaLD?

No, these are all commonly used terms to refer to all of Australia’s non-Indigenous ethnic groups and Australia’s First Peoples, and are used interchangeably. If you are engaging with a particular community group, ask them politely what wording they may prefer.

How can I check if my website is accessible for people with disability or not?

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) publishes the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The guidelines cover a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible for people with disability, and users in general. For information see http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/

Should my organisation develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)?

While not compulsory, a Reconciliation Action Plan is an excellent way to outline practical actions your organisation can take to build strong relationships and enhanced respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. A RAP also makes clear your organisation’s future plans to drive greater equality by pursuing sustainable opportunities. See how to develop a RAP at: http://www.reconciliation.org.au/raphub/program/getting-started/

Where can I find out how to use correct terminology for people with disability?

How we write and speak about people with disability can have a profound effect on the way they are viewed by the community and themselves. Further information on correct terminology to use is available at: http://www.pwd.org.au/student-section/terminology-used-by-pwda.html

Do coaches, officials or administrators need special qualifications or skills to work with people from different groups?

All coaches and officials should have the appropriate qualification(s) that enable them to perform their duties for all levels of ability, gender and age in their sport. If additional support or information is needed, contact your State or Territory Association.

Does my Club/Association need to create a separate competition for people with different abilities?

It depends on the choice of the group, their skills and the available programs and competitions at your Club/Association. Whatever type of program or competition offered, all new members and groups must be made to feel that they are valued. Talk to the group involved to get an understanding of their needs.

What if my new project or program to get different groups involved my sport fails?

Then learn from it and try again. Doing things for the first time or differently will inevitably bring about failure and success in fairly equal measures. It is important to remember that there is no failure in this area – action is a step in the right direction, regardless of the outcome.

Where can I find out how to make my organization more physically accessible?

The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed free information and resources aimed at assisting in identifying possible barriers to buildings and services and direct people to resources and expertise to address those barriers. See https://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/good-bad-and-ugly-design-and-construction-access-2008