On February 16, students from Niagara College’s Educational Assistance – Adult Supports and Recreation Therapy programs learned all about accessibility through ParaSport Pathways – a leadership workshop that teaches participants about inclusion in sport, recreation, and physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.
The event was led by staff from Variety Village – an organization that works to provide programming that empowers children with disabilities to be seen, participate and feel included – and featured a keynote address from ParaSport coach, Joe Millage, Unstoppable Tracy and Jeff Tiessen, Disability Community Educator and Advocate. The event also included a thoughtful panel discussion between Paragolfer Chris Garner, Special Olympics World Champion Tess Trojan and Niagara Sledge Hockey League ambassador Julian Caverly.
Following the panel discussion, attendees were able to participate in various activities including adapted curling, adapted games, goalball, sitting volleyball and special Olympics boccie. After taking part in these activities, students expressed a desire to see more inclusive sports on campus.
NC students practice their seated volleyball skills.
For Educational Assistance – Adult Supports student Stephanie Carter, the event helped her gain a new perspective when thinking about her future career.
“After hearing the guest speakers share their personal stories at the ParaSport Pathways event I’m excited to know that the career I have chosen will help to make a positive impact in someone’s life. It will be important for me to think outside the box to ensure that the work I do is accessible and inclusive for all ages and abilities, but I now know that all activities can be adapted to meet different needs.”
Recreational Therapy student Francis Morais was inspired by the staff from Variety Village to work with other professionals to provide the best care for his future clients.
“Together, physiotherapists and recreational therapists can help people build physical strength, improve mobility and function and engage in meaningful leisure activities that promote mental and emotional well-being,” said Morais. “It is that type of collaborative approach that will help people of all abilities reach their full potential.”
The event was organized by NC Professors Erin Wilkie (Recreation Therapy) and Ann Marie Raos (Educational Assistance – Adult Supports) in partnership with Archie Allison, Director, Access and Awareness, Variety Village who was instrumental in creating this opportunity for students from both NC programs to make connections with students from a different area of study.
“The opportunity for cross-program learning is so valuable as our students will be part of teams in their careers that are representative of many disciplines/professions,” said Wilkie. “Not only did they learn about the development of inclusive and open minds in sport, they were able to make connections with other students that will benefit them during their time at NC and beyond.”
“The opportunity Variety Village and Parasports Niagara offered both our students in Educational Assistance – Adult Supports and Recreational Therapy was invaluable to their experiential learning experience. By coming together as two programs, Erin and I were able to demonstrate how working with other professions, enhances collaboration and learning experiences,” said Raos.
ParaSport Pathways has been presented to more than 5,000 students and professionals over 25 years and has helped to improve the overall awareness around accessibility and inclusion issues in sport.
Students who attended the event also walked away with their Introduction to Inclusion – Level 1 Certification – a Provincially recognized certification that will help them as they build their resumes and portfolios as they embark on their careers.
“This event has taught me that anything can be achieved through a dream and motivation,” said Educational Assistance – Adult Supports student Sachin Stany. “It was an honour to hear the speakers talk about their struggles and accomplishments and I am more motivated than ever to advocate for inclusivity in all things.”
