Trinity College Dublin recently became one of the first University’s in Ireland to sign the Cara Sport Disability Inclusion Charter. By signing this charter, Trinity Sport is committing to listening to the needs of people with disabilities and look at how our facilities and sporting programmes can be more inclusive. The Cara Sport Inclusion Disability Charter outlines five key areas including to be open and understanding, train staff on inclusion issues, develop and deliver inclusive activities, review of facilities to ensure they are accessible and promote the inclusive nature of activities.
A ‘Sport and Physical Activity Inclusion Officer’ role was created last year and is the first role of its kind in an Irish University setting. With the support of Dublin University central Athletic Club (DUCAC) Naz Velic, a TU Dublin, Sport Management and Coaching graduate, was appointed to the role and is currently working to increase and sustain participation of students who have experiences of exclusion and isolation from sport and physical activity. The key aim of the role is to develop inclusive sporting opportunities for students with disabilities, minority groups, LGBTQ+ and increase female participation in sport.
Michelle Tanner, Head of Sport and Recreation at Trinity College Dublin commented, “We are delighted to sign the Cara Sport Inclusion Disability Charter and pledge our commitment to listen to the needs of people with disabilities. Our commitment is already evident through the introduction of the Physical Activity and Inclusion Officer which is an important role focusing on inclusion and ensuring that Trinity Sport is a place which provides the supports, access and opportunities to all, irrespective of ability, race, background, status, gender or otherwise.”
Clodagh Brook, Associate Vice Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Trinity College Dublin commented, “It’s fantastic to see Trinity Sport putting resources, energy and time into creating an environment welcoming to all, one where all members of our community can engage in sport and physical activity. Sport can and should play an important role in equality and inclusion, I’m delighted to see Trinity Sport taking these important steps such as committing to the Cara Sport Inclusion Disability Charter and creating a ‘Sport and Physical Activity Inclusion Officer’ role.”