Safeguarding deaf and disabled children in sport. A resource for use in training and professional group learning.
This training resource will help sports organisations include and safeguard deaf and disabled children more effectively.
Deaf and disabled children increasingly benefit from taking part in sport activities. But research shows that they are at significantly greater risk of abuse and neglect than their peers. Addressing their specific safeguarding needs will enable many more to join in the fun.
It will help sports clubs, organisations and individual volunteers and staff to include deaf and disabled children in activities in a way that promotes their welfare.
Using the resource
Participants should have had at least awareness-level training in safeguarding children and young people before using this resource.Trainers and facilitators should be experienced in training on safeguarding children and young people in sport and understand the issues for safeguarding deaf and disabled children effectively. Ideally the training should also involve someone with specific knowledge and experience of disability and inclusion if the trainer does not.
It can be purchased from the NSPCC at a cost of £125. This includes DVD and CD Rom with prompt sheets and handouts. Or contact your local sports development officer for more information.
Scenarios covered in the resource include:
- Grooming and abuse of a deaf child about a deaf boy called Danny, 14, who is abused by the coach of an inclusive team he joins
- Including disabled participants and adapting sports activities
- Sports centre manager Steve talks about a girl who has visual impairment and wants to take up the javelin and he has safety concerns. Her coach has adapted the sessions so that she can take part.
- Managing challenging behaviour - Basketball coach George talks about Chris who has autism and what the club can do to ensure that he is included.
- Online bullying/cyberbullying -Youth rugby club coach Jason talks about Gavin, 16, who has Down's syndrome and has been bullied at the club. This has been dealt with but Cyberbullying is also taking place.
- Over-protective parenting - Athletics club officer Charlotte talks about Marco, 15, who has mild cerebral palsy
- Personal/intimate care responsibilities - Senior sports coach Meera talks about Hannah, 14, who uses a wheelchair Responding to possible indicators of abuse,
- Swimming coach Marina talks about Parveen, 9, who is deaf Safeguarding planning for away trips.
- Wheelchair basketball coach Don talks about a parent enquiring about safeguarding measures
