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New partnership aims to enhance inclusive physical activity education
In a drive to strengthen education around the provision of inclusive physical activity , Sport for Confidence has joined forces with specialist education provider , Writtle University College .
According to Sport England ’ s most recent Active Lives Survey , people with a disability and / or long-term health condition are twice as likely ( 46 %) to be inactive as the general population ( 23 %).
This disparity is largely due to the many barriers to participation that exist for this demographic group .
In 2022 , the Activity Alliance also reported that , post pandemic , disabled people are less likely than non-disabled people to have a positive return-toactivity experience ( 52 % vs 70 %).
Megan Potts , Occupational Therapist at Sport for Confidence , explains : ‘ Sport and physical activity have the potential to deliver a diverse array of therapeutic benefits that enhance lives and positively impact the quality of life of those involved .
‘ Via this partnership with Writtle University College , and specifically the Centre of Sport and Health , we will work with all academic departments to provide coaches with the knowledge and tools they need to practice more holistically .
‘ Through enhanced course content , guest lecturers and the provision of opportunities for students to gain off-site practical experience working with a variety of demographics , we will advise on several topics including adaptive practice , public health , common disabilities , barriers to participation and sensory processing considerations .
‘ We will also provide guidance to the university on general accessibility and inclusion to ensure everybody utilising the facilities and services has the best possible experience .’
The partnership , made possible through an introduction by the Office of Students Knowledge Exchange , is one of mutual benefit .
Historically , Sport for Confidence says it has ‘ struggled to recruit coaches with experience and education around the use of physical activity as a therapeutic tool ’. This skills gap has required additional post-appointment education .
The new partnership with Writtle University College will ‘ deliver fit for purpose coaches to the workforce , meaning they can hit the ground running , having an immediate impact on the delivery of effective , safe and progressive inclusive physical activity ’.
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Member survey : shape the future of RCOT membership
RCOT will be launching a member survey in October 2023 , giving all RCOT members the chance to have their say and help shape the future of membership .
At the heart of RCOT ’ s five-strategy is an aim to raise the profile of the occupational therapy profession , creating a membership offer that ’ s relevant to occupational therapists at every stage of their career , enabling them to deliver value to their organisations and supporting them to be the best they can be . But to do this , RCOT needs its members ’ views .
Every single member will be invited to take part in this comprehensive survey , which will explore their evolving needs and expectations . Insights from the survey will be crucial in developing new support and services and shaping future strategic plans .
Maria O ’ Malley , Head of Membership Engagement and Insights at RCOT said : ‘ We want to give a membership offer and experience that ’ s rich , relevant and rewarding that ’ s truly tailored to our members ’ needs , whoever they are and wherever they are in their professional lives .
‘ So our members ’ views matter enormously to us . We ’ d like to encourage them to spend a few moments telling us what they think when they receive the survey from us next month . This really is their chance for them to shape the future of their membership and to tell us what they think .’
September 2023 OTnews 11