Category: Sport, Recreation & Arts

Inclusive sport for fans and players

Football is one of the most watched and played sports globally. Teams attract thousands of fans and clubs invest heavily in elite players. But what of the fans? What kind of deal do they get if they find themselves excluded from matches? A research paper based on eleven European clubs looks at the issue of inclusive sport for fans.

“Football is more than just a sport, as it is often described as a place where social bonds are established, and fans of different backgrounds, ages, and abilities come together. However, fans with disabilities face many challenges in accessing these events and participating in fan life.”

An empty sports stadium with rows of blue seats set around a green playing field.

The researchers acknowledge that larger clubs have more resources to implement disability strategies. In general, they found clubs fell into three categories. 1. Elite performers who integrate fans with disabilities into their systems. 2. Solid performers with established frameworks but have gaps in services. 3. Developing clubs with emerging structures needing further work to support accessibility.

The title of the paper is Communication with Disabled Fans at Sports Events: Approaches, Challenges, and Opportunities. Although this paper is based on football clubs, there is application for other sporting codes.

From the abstract

This study investigates how effectively European football clubs communicate and implement accessibility features for disabled fans. Using semi-structured interviews with representatives from eleven European football clubs and a systematic analysis of club documentation.

We present a validated Fan Communication Model incorporating key weighted criteria, including infrastructure, dedicated personnel, engagement, specific adaptations, ticketing, challenge management, and feedback systems. This model provides a standardized framework for evaluating disability support communication in football organizations.

Facilities for whole communities

Artist impression of new home for Matildas and also the whole community..
Photo courtesy Football Victoria

Larger sports facilities are being designed for whole communities, not just sports teams. It has to be a social, economic and environmental investment. Belinda Goh from Populous provides some insights into the design processes behind two case studies. They cover cultural diversity, connection to country and including women in the design of sports facilities. 

The focus of Belinda Goh’s presentation for the NSW Office of Sport webinar was two case studies. The designs were underpinned with a universal design approach using extensive community engagement strategies. Co-creation and co-design were essential to the success of the designs. 

Goh explained that sports facilities should integrate community and grassroots activities with these projects. She uses examples of major professional sports teams bringing women into elite sports. So she is talking beyond standard design thinking to deliberately designing women into these facilities. But this made for more inclusive facilities overall. 

Goh discusses how beginning with a focus on including women has matured into an approach for all Populous’ designs. It is about being more inclusive, equitable and universal in their approach. She says it also about going beyond access codes to making people feel like they belong. 

Considering culture

In a second case study she discusses the new multi-use sports facility on the mid north coast of NSW. This project posed some additional challenges. It involved delving into the “why” of the project and significant community engagement. The area has a high Indigenous population as well as the largest Sikh population outside India. 

Apart from consulting with sports organisations, they talked with people from arts, youth, and the nearby high school among others. In considering the culture of the spaces they also included the concepts of universal design and access to all spaces. 

Belinda Goh’s presentation is engaging and worth a look in the video below. 

There is more on the ABC news website about the Matilda’s new home. Well, not so much a new home but a first home. The facility will also house a sports science centre, a gym and recovery rooms. 

Gym equipment designed for disability

A team of industrial designers have used a universal design approach to creating gym equipment. Their paper explains their process, but more importantly, there are images of various designs for aerobic equipment. A great addition to any gym but essential for disability sports organisations. 

The title of the paper is, Development of Aerobic Exercise Equipment Using Universal Design: Treadmill and Arm Ergometer. 

Explaining inclusive sport with videos

The Inclusive Sport Design website has some good resources, namely videos, blog posts and other useful material. The resource list has four short videos explaining inclusive sport.

Two young men each with one leg and using crutches, compete for the football on the football field. Inclusive sport.

Inclusive sport program planning and framework briefly explains the key elements to planning an effective and sustainable inclusive sport program.

Playgrounds for all children

Guides for inclusive playgrounds for all children, and adults for that matter, basically provide the same information. This post provides links to some of them.

The most universally designed guide, is Everyone Can Play. With just three things to guide: Can I get there? Can I Play? Can I stay?

Part of the front cover of the Everyone Can Play Guideline. It has playful lettering.

Water and adventure play, and connection to Country and community, are now part of Everyone Can Play. The original guide broke new ground by taking a universal design approach from guide concept through to the design of the guide itself. The result was a very readable and informative guide with just the right amount of information. The update process followed a similar process. A great example of how an iterative process brings great results.

Inclusive Play guide from South Australia

Connection is a key element: Connect with place, Connect with each other, and Connect with self. The guide touches on aspects of play such as considering the senses and challenging activities across ages and levels of capability. The document concludes with some checklists for the preceding elements. These cover access, landscaping elements, layout, safety and location.

The document was found in a literature review of universal design play guidelines. The review is titled, “Designing public playgrounds for inclusion: a scoping review of grey literature guidelines for Universal Design.

Playspaces: Adventurous and Inclusive

Sanctuary magazine has a great article on nature play in parks and home gardens titled, Playspaces: Child’s play gets serious. Touched by Olivia has achieved many of its aims and is now part of Variety. For academics, the Sanctuary article is also available from Informit. 

An article from Denmark discusses the dangers of standardized playground equipment designed by adults with no input from children, who prefer to make their own play. You need institutional access for a free read.

Let’s play together in NZ

A case study from Auckland, New Zealand is a good example of how to create co-designed playspaces. The project began with a review of the existing facilities and how to achieve the outcomes within budget constraints.

The title of the article is, Te Pua Keith Park – Nau mai, Haere mai Let’s Play Together. The article has many photos that highlight the key areas of the playspace. There’s a useful reference list as well.

There is also a magazine article that shows photos of the many park elements and features.

Inclusion in Motion playground

The Town of Canandaigua has partnered with Dream Big! Inclusion in Motion, to bring a new park to the community that features a completely accessible and inclusive playground that everyone can play on, regardless of their level of ability or mobility. The development video gives a design overview. It is being completed as community funds allow.

Building playgrounds for children

An empty wooden swing hangs over green grass. Playgrounds for all children.

Inclusive play spaces are receiving more attention, but which equipment and design features are most suitable? Research in the US throws some light on this topic. Children, parents, teachers, landscape designers and equipment manufacturers all have a stake in the outcome. This means there are often gaps between what is required, what is available and what gets implemented.

Play equipment and universal design

The design of playspace equipment and landscape design need to go together for a universally designed play experience. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience a variety of challenging and engaging play experiences. To be inclusive, most equipment should be designed to suit both adults and children. The New South Wales Government has a section in it’s very successful Everyone Can Play guide on play equipment and universal design.

Play equipment is an important part of the play experience and needs to be considered as part of the overall design of a playspace. Consequently, the overall landscape plan and the equipment must work together.

A girl and a boy are playing on rope play equipment.

This section of the NSW Planning website also explains the difference between inclusive and accessible design. Accessibility is commonly associated with mobility standards and safety compliance. In playspaces, access standards are important for aspects such as surfacing, equipment design and toilets. Inclusive playspaces go beyond the basics of accessibility.

Typical inclusive play equipment includes a flush carousel, hammock or basket swing, in-ground trampolines, and ramp access to a feature structure. Theme play equipment and use colour palettes that respond to the local context. And ensure surface treatments are easy to use and accessible.

The key point is to do the best you can with the resources available regardless of location or size of the playspace. The guidance lists design steps which includes the six design principle in the Everyone Can Play guide. Not mentioned, but implicit in the guide is to involve the local community in the design of the playspace.

Universal design and play

The NSW Department of Planning website also has a section on inclusive design in relation to playspaces. It covers the definition, who it serves, and why inclusive playspaces are important. The NSW Department of Planning has changed its terminology from the first iteration of Everyone Can Play from universal design to inclusive design. This is to fit with their other planning policies.

Inclusive play spaces are easy to access, have a range of play options and facilities to create a comfortable environment. The key questions are: Can I get there? Can I play? Can I stay? These questions underpin the whole design.

An inclusively designed carousel with children sitting and standing and one child pushing them around.

Inclusive playspaces provide a welcoming place where everyone feels comfortable and can enjoy play experiences together. A sub section of the webpage includes an explanation of universal design and how it informs the Everyone Can Play Guide.

See more on Everyone Can Play from previous posts.

The three Can I's. Can I get there? Can I play? Can I stay?

Images from the NSW Dept of Planning website.

Making spaces for girls

When taking a gender lens to urban planning, it is often from the perspective of women. That is, women past their teenage years. But what about teenage girls? A UK study found that teenage girls feel parks and public spaces are not for them. There is nothing they want to use. That’s because no-one includes girls in the planning and design of these important places for young people.

Make Space for Girls is a UK charity that campaigns for parks and public spaces designed with the needs of teenage girls in mind. “This simple statement reveals a significant disadvantage which has been hiding in plain sight”.

A hard surface sports area with high steel fencing. This is known as a MUGA. But generally not a space for girls.

Image from the research paper showing a multi-use games area (MUGA).

For many years, girls and young women have been effectively designed out of parks and other public spaces. These spaces are not designed for teenage girls for for a range of reasons including safety, facilities and spaces dominated by boys. But most of all, it happens because the voices of teenage girls are rarely heard at any stage in the commissioning, design or management of these places.

When thinking about providing something for teenagers, it is usually either a skate park, multi-use games area (MUGA) or a BMX track. In the UK these three types of equipment make up 90% of provisions for teenagers. And young men and boys dominate these spaces.

Engaging girls

In general, young people aged 16-18 are not considered in the overall development process. The situation is even more pronounced for girls. 82% of girls said that they wanted to be more involved in designing parks and open spaces.

Girls are creating a collage of pictures as part of the engagement process for designing parks.

Image from the research paper showing participant engagement

As many other studies found, engagement needs to happen from the outset of the project including shaping the initial brief. A key point is that girls need sufficient time and support to develop their own ideas. Their past experiences of un-welcoming space means their thinking has to start from scratch.

Key elements for design

In terms of what teenage girls want to see in public spaces, the results are consistent across a diverse range of groups. Common themes include:

  • Dividing up spaces so they can used by more than one group at the same time
  • Better lighting and circular paths
  • Seating which allows girls to face each other and talk
  • Swings, hammocks and gym bars
  • Performance spaces
  • Good quality toilets
Artists impression of a park space designed with girls in mind. Includes the elements they discussed.

Image from the research paper showing an artist’s impression of an inclusive space

Disadvantages girls face include other factors such as ethnic background, disability, gender identity and socio-economic status. Girls of colour are also more likely to be the victims of sexual harassment and racial discrimination. This means engagement and co-design methods require a diverse group of teenage girls.

The title of the research paper is, Making Spaces for Girls. Their Right to the Public Realm.

From the abstract

Teenage girls face multiple challenges in accessing and utilising public spaces. This has an impact on their well-being and sense of inclusion in the community.

The key factor is that the needs of teenage girls are not considered in the design of parks and spaces. Facilities intended for teenagers, such as skate parks, Multi-Use Games Areas, and BMX tracks, predominantly cater to the interests of boys.

Dominance by boys can discourage girls from participating in outdoor activities thereby impacting their health and wellbeing. Consequently, teenage girls perceive public spaces as unwelcoming. Teenage girls report feeling unsafe in public spaces due to various factors, including sexual harassment.

Key design points for girls are physical security and a sense of belonging in a space. The active engagement of teenage girls in the design process is essential to ascertain their diverse perspectives and needs.

This research contributes to a growing discourse on gender-inclusive urban planning. A paradigm shift that prioritises the needs and voices of teenage girls in shaping public spaces is critical.

Safe public spaces for girls

Public spaces aren’t equal places. That is, some people don’t feel safe or welcome in particular places. It seems this is the case for teenage girls. According to some Swedish research, public spaces aren’t used equally by girls and boys. So creating safe public spaces for girls is a challenge for urban and landscape designers. 

A night time image of a swing set comprising large rings. They are illuminated in purple and blue.
Swing Time – Höweler+Yoon. Photo by John Horner

Until the age of seven, boys and girls use public facilities, such playgrounds, on an equal basis to boys. According to a 2020 Girl Guides UK survey, 62 percent of girls aged 11-21 years said they didn’t have an outdoor sport or facility they felt safe to use. What would encourage them to go out? Safer places, less catcalling and more things to do they said. 

Teenage invaders?

Girls like to use swings but they are placed with the equipment for young children. If teenagers use them they are seen as invaders – not welcome. Branko Miletic in Architecture and Design magazine says,

“Come to think of it, teenagers are seen as invaders in most public spaces: they are too old for playgrounds, don’t have the money for malls or cafes, and also run the risk of harassment in public facilities overrun by boys and men. But they also yearn for physical activity and movement, connecting with friends, having fun conversations, walking and biking, and indulging in sports and games at their own pace, without being judged or commented upon in a public space.”

Multi-use areas such as skate parks, basketball courts and kickabout areas are designed for ‘young people’. However, boys and young men tendt to dominate these areas. Boys tend to dominate single large spaces while girls are more comfortable in broken-up spaces. In terms of seating, boys want to watch the action while girls like to face each other to talk. 

Ask the girls

The answer, of course is to involve girls in the design process. Ask them what they want in a public space. A local authority in Sweden together with architects constructed a model designed with girls. The design revealed a preference for places with colour, sitting face to face, protected from weather, and to see without necessarily being seen. 

Public spaces must cater for all ages. It’s not just about physical activity, it about social interaction and feeling safe. It would be interesting to do a similar study with older people so we can create intergenerational spaces too. 

The title of the article in Architecture and Design is, Designing safe public spaces for teenage girls.

Let her guide you

A thematic issue of The Journal of Public Space focuses on women and girls looks at incorporating gender and youth perspective into urban planning. The title is Urban Development Together with Girls and Young Women.

From the Editorial abstract

Traditionally, urban planning has been shaped by a gendered perspective that privileges masculine assumptions. These assumptions overlook intersectional needs and reinforce societal inequalities for women and girls.

This thematic issue was developed in partnership with UN-Habitat as part of the Her City initiative. It underscores the imperative of incorporating gender and youth perspectives into urban planning and design. The Her City Initiative advances this goal by equipping urban actors worldwide with tools to integrate the perspectives of girls and young women into urban development.

This special issue features papers by young academic scholars selected from the Her City Master students’ alumni network, including case studies of feminist planning from Heerlen (The Netherlands), Nairobi (Kenya), Stockholm (Sweden), and Weimar (Germany).

It also includes a diverse range of invited viewpoints advocating for collaborative approaches to urban development together with girls and young women.

By centring gender and youth perspectives in the urban planning process, this issue highlights the potential to transform public spaces into more equitable, engaging, and sustainable environments. It calls on city makers, researchers, and community leaders to ensure that contemporary cities are designed with and for everyone.

Accessible Sydney Opera House

Access for people with disability was unheard of when Sydney Opera House was designed in the late 1960s. It’s complex and unusual shape caused delays until it’s opening in 1973. In the 2020s the same complexity meant a lot of creative design work to create an accessible Sydney Opera House. And to do it in away that maintained the integrity of the original design.

The commitment of the Sydney Opera House to the vision of “The People’s House” is clear. The creative design work shows that complex heritage buildings can be accessible to all. This design work is evident on the Sydney Opera House’s website section on accessibility.

Even if you aren’t planning to visit the Sydney Opera House, the information is an exemplar of how to make all visitors feel welcome.

Syney Opera House taken from a ship at sunset - the House glows yellow and orange

The webpage has clearly organised information on accessible performances, getting there, and getting around the precinct. There are separate sections on vision and hearing, mobility, and access programs. There are four videos to help visitors find their way around the building and precinct. The website also has access maps for the four main areas of the building.

Accessible journey videos

The section on accessible journeys is particularly interesting if you’ve never been to the Sydney Opera House. You get to see the inside of the building with the fly-through videos as well as finding your way around. Access from the underground car park does not take you directly into the building. Consequently, when the place is busy, finding the way to the foyer might be confusing. The video clearly shows where to park and how to get to the foyer.

A really good example of how to make visitors feel welcome at any venue or destination. This type of information can be a deciding factor in whether to go to an event or a visit a building.

How many steps at the Sydney Opera House?

A previous post featured a list showing how many steps visitors need to climb to various parts of the building. It also shows the complexity of overcoming the many stairways in the refurbishments. However, this list is no longer as relevant as all areas are now accessible. Consequently, the Sydney Opera House has removed it from their website.

A page from the Sydney Opera House theatre access guide showing the steps to and from the Joan Sutherland Theatre. How many steps.

The aim of the guide was to help patrons decide which seats are best to book for the greatest convenience. It also helped with traversing such a large building, especially if you are not familiar with it. 

Nevertheless, it would be interesting to know how many other venues in Australia have this type of guide – not just a standard access guide, which is usually for wheelchair users, people who are blind or have low vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing. Knowing how far you have to walk and how many steps is important for non wheelchair users and people accompanying wheelchair users.

 

 

Retrofitting for the Olympic Games

The retrofitting of Olympic and Paralympic Games venues for accessibility tends to focus on the Paralympic Games, para-athletes. While we continue with this discourse inclusion will continue to be seen as a parallel and separate endeavour. Both Games need the same levels of accessibility and inclusion and should therefore be discussed as one event, not two.

“This effort goes beyond simply following established guidelines; it calls for a deeper commitment to embracing both the letter and the spirit of universal design principles.”

“… effective transformation is contingent on targeted retrofitting strategies rooted in universal design and a commitment to inclusivity among all stakeholders.”

An empty sports stadium with rows of blue seats set around a green playing field.

Focus on wheelchair users is not the end but the beginning

We have entered an era of conservation when it comes to staging major international events. The Olympic and Paralympic committees now want to see existing facilities upgraded rather than new infrastructure. While this might tick sustainability boxes, not all venues can be easily adapted. While basic access can be improved, it is questionable whether inclusion is attained for all.

A literature review looks at past Olympic and Paralympic sporting and spectator facilities. The researchers found that relying on existing regulatory frameworks are an insufficient condition for access and inclusion. Reflections on past events reveal the importance of going beyond basic compliance. And that means taking a universal design approach.

Universal design is needed

A universal design approach promotes the need to meet inclusive standards, not just compliance standards. Modifications to the layout and architecture are important and need the integration of specialised equipment and designated areas for the diverse range of athletes and spectators.

Embracing these standards as a catalyst for innovation rather than mere compliance fosters the pursuit of excellence and aligns with the spirit of the Paralympic Games.

The title is, Enhancing Access and Inclusion: The Retrofitting of Olympic Facilities for the Paralympic Games. The authors recommend a systematic evaluation of universal design in sports complexes with a focus on tangible benefits for all. Paralympic Games can act as a catalyst for universally accessible and inclusive sports facilities.

From the abstract

This paper examines the significance of retrofitting initiatives in creating accessible sports environments. By modifying existing venues, these efforts accommodate the
unique needs of individuals with disabilities, enhancing both athlete participation and the spectator experience.

Key retrofitting strategies, such as installing wheelchair ramps and accessible seating, contribute to a more equitable environment. Addressing the specific needs of Paralympic athletes and spectators demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity in sports.

Beyond the Paralympic Games, retrofitted facilities set a standard for future events and public venues, promoting societal inclusivity. This paper highlights how retrofitting fosters equality in both sports and society, emphasizing its role in advancing an inclusive and accessible future.

Tokyo’s Olympic legacy acknowledges population ageing

The two mascots, for the Tokyo Olympic Games, one in pink and one in blue. They look like dolls with big ears and eyes. Although Japan has the oldest population in the world, creating accessible urban spaces is making very slow progress. Tokyo aimed to have all parts of the city that linked to the Olympic venues completely barrier-free. That includes buildings, transportation, services and open spaces. Tokyo’s Olympic legacy is discussed in an open access book chapter. 

Deidre Sneep discusses the issues regarding the urban design legacy in the Japanese context and commercialisation. The title of the book chapter on page 91 is, Discover tomorrow: Tokyo’s ‘barrier-free’ Olympic legacy and the urban ageing population. It’s free to download, but if you have institutional access you can access the journal article version.

One interesting aspect is that some argue that the government’s guide to promote a ‘barrier-free spirit’ makes it sound like an act of friendliness. Any kind of patronising attitude or slogan only serves to maintain marginalisation as the norm. Posters focus on young people and make barrier-free a special design. There are no older people in the pictures.

The implementation of the universal design concept is increasingly commercialised says Sneep. This is likely due to the history of universal design in Japan. One of the first international universal design conferences was held in Japan in 2002, and was led by giant product manufacturers such as Mitsubishi. The International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) remains active. 

In 2020 Tokyo will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the second time in history. With a strong emphasis on the future – Tokyo’s slogan for the Olympic Games is ‘Discover Tomorrow’ – Tokyo is branded as city of youth and hope. Tokyo’s demographics, however, show a different image: in the coming decades, it is expected that well over a third of the citizens will be over 65. Despite the focus on a youthful image, Tokyo is well aware of the fact that its demographics are rapidly shifting.

Governmental bodies have been actively trying to find solutions for anticipated problems related to the ageing population for decades. One of the solutions discussed and implemented is highlighted by the 2020 Olympics: the implementation of universal design in public spaces in the city in order to make it more easily accessible – in other words, making Tokyo ‘barrier-free’ (bariafurī).

This chapter presents the concept of ‘barrier-free’ in a Japanese setting, critically analyses the history and current implementation of the concept, pointing out that it seems to be increasingly commercialised, and evaluates the purpose of implementing the concept in the light of the 2020 Olympic Games.

 

Brisbane 2032: A Game Changer?

What can be learned from previous Games experiences? An article in ABC News discusses a report by Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) titled Game Changers. The report examined five past sporting events to see what can be learned from them. Employment of people with disability is a key focus of this report.

The Brisbane 2032 legacy committee chair Grace Grace said she’s committed to creating a “transformational legacy” for people with a disability. Image from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

A wide angle view of the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games showing lots of vibrant colours shining out against the night sky.

The Game Changers report analyses past sporting events and the legacy they left behind. There were many missed opportunities to create a positive legacy for people with disability. Plans need accessibility and inclusion embedded now, not one year before the event.

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games was the largest para-sport program in Games history. However, there were many issues for athletes and spectators with disability. One of the main issues was the lack of accessible transport and venues. Volunteers and staff lacked appropriate training. Their language and implied indifference disregarded human differences.

The Commonwealth Games did create more accessible infrastructure and tourism. Athletes with and without disability were also competing side-by-side in events. This meant that their was equitable treatment on and off the field.

Employment

Legacy planning for inclusive employment means involving people with disability in the early planning. Media presenters and journalists with disability are capable of working on both Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The report has three recommendations for the employment of people with disability so that by:

2028: Foundations laid to improve employment outcomes during the Games.

2032: the Brisbane Games have set and achieved clear and measurable targets for employment, procurement, and volunteering.

2042: more opportunity for meaningful employment within a connected and supportive employment ecosystem.

A statement of Brisbane 2032 as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Host with the Olympic rings and with red blue and green swipe shapes.

The title of article is, How Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games can learn from the past to create a legacy for people with a disability.

Games Legacy Symposium recommendations

The benefits of holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games must be long lasting, and this aspect is key to being the winning bid to be the host city. So what kind of legacy can we expect from Brisbane 2032 Games? CUDA held a symposium to discuss the Games Legacy strategy which is titled, Elevate 2042.

The vision is to move to a more inclusive, sustainable and connected society with more opportunities for everyone. And to make the region better, sooner together through sport.

Text taken from Elevate 2042 which says, the vision for elevate 2042 is that my 2042 we will live in an inclusive sustainable and connected society with more opportunities in life for everyone.

Elevate 2042, is the product of collective effort of the Games delivery partners. It is promoted as a guide to maintain a collective focus on society, economy, connectivity and environment.

The Games Legacy Strategy is not about benefits for a few, or ideas that have nothing to do with the Games. It is about making bigger things happen sooner for the benefit of as many communities as possible. The concept of universal design was mentioned once in the document and on the very last page.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games is a great opportunity to embed a universal design approach into all the work leading up to the event. This would drive the access and inclusion agenda for everyone in a coordinated way. The purpose of CUDA’s symposium was to find ways to embed universal design thinking into the implementation plan.

Symposium recommendations

A panel of four speakers set the scene which fed into the workshop discussions with participants. Two key themes emerged from those discussions.

  • Embed universal design principles in all procurement processes including pre-procurement to develop appropriate scopes of works.
  • Embed co-design at the beginning of all decision-making processes at all levels and make the process mandatory. 
Aerial view of the Sunshine Coast Stadium showing a large field of green grass next to a river.

Universal design is a unifying concept

Universal design is three things: an ethical principle for inclusion of diversity; a vision of an inclusive society; and a unifying approach to policy and perspectives. It’s this last point that is of greatest value to the implementation of the Games Legacy Strategy.

With so many government departments and stakeholders involved, an abstract concept such as inclusion can fall between the cracks. Taking universal design approach across the development of all activities keeps inclusion at the forefront in transport, housing, planning, employment, communications, services, and tourism to name a few.

The draft recommendations are open for comment until 30 July. They cover active transport, planning and infrastructure, housing, tourism, and co-design.

Embedding a universal design approach at the concept stage of any undertaking using co-design methods, and continuing the concept through to completion, will add support to a sustainable and successful legacy for the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Universal Design Guide for sport

In the ramp-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games, Paralympics Australia was fielding lots of calls from sporting organisations and venues. These organisations are keen to achieve higher standards of accessibility and inclusion. Paralympics Australia aims to increase access to sports opportunities, so it was time to devise a universal design guide to help.

The Universal Design Guide for creating inclusive sport in Australia is a valuable reference for sports representative bodies. It provides useful information for beginning the journey towards adopting inclusive practices.

Front cover of the universal design guide in Australian team colours - dark green background with yellow text.

It’s also good for many other organisations because the underpinning principles and processes are the same. There are good examples of this in the sections on practicing inclusivity and beginning the inclusion journey.

A diverse range of people working and competing in different sporting codes provided input to the guide. It addresses structural and attitudinal barriers to universal design and inclusion and comprises:

  • Definitions of accessibility, inclusivity and universal design
  • How to adopt an inclusive mindset and language
  • Motivating case studies
  • Focus activities for universal design
  • Practical guides for: hosting a universal design kick-off meeting, developing inclusive strategy, producing accessible documentation, and designing accessible inclusive digital experiences.
A female wheelchair basketball athlete holding the ball on the playing court.

The guide is very practical with case studies and examples of meeting agenda and social media posts. It concludes with a list of leading organisations and other resources. Download a copy in Word from the Paralympics Australia website.

The authors used every care to use language that is accurate, inclusive, empowering and non-stigmatising. The document will be refined and updated as Paralympics Australia builds its activities to make Australian sport accessible and inclusive. Feedback welcomed.

The International Paralympic Committee also has an Accessibility Guide produced in 2020. It has a wider range of topics that cover the whole event including accommodation and transportation.

Para-sport for accessible tourism

This research paper from Japan requires institutional access for a free read. The researchers wanted to find out whether Tokyo Games led to more accessibility in non-host cities. The title of the paper is, Leveraging para-sport events for accessible tourism development in non-host cities: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to explore Tokyo 2020’s non-host cities leveraging the Paralympic Games for accessible tourism development. Following their successful bid, the Japanese government launched a national initiative to promote an inclusive society, extending beyond Tokyo to include other regions and achieving the social model of disability. In particular, this study examined why and how non-host cities leveraged para-sport events for accessible tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted multiple case studies focusing on three non-host cities that engaged in the national initiative from Tokyo 2020. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with city employees from the authorities in October 2019 and the municipal council meeting minutes mentioning the initiative.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified contexts, strategic objectives, resources and means comprising the leveraging processes, differing from the previously suggested leveraging process. Notably, non-host cities embarked on leveraging when they realized alignment between their existing policies and the national initiative. Contrary to assumptions, our findings suggest that sport event leveraging does not always require pre-existing resources. This study also revealed the transfer of various resources (e.g. human, financial, social, image of the event) during the process. Additionally, non-host cities prioritize physical accessibility and a barrier-free mindset for accessible tourism development, diverging from typical sport event impacts on local tourism.

Originality/value

This research provides insights and lessons from Tokyo 2020, guiding future para-sport events. Focusing on the pre-event phase, our data not only enhances research quality by minimizing interviewee recall bias but also contributes to a deeper understanding of ongoing leveraging efforts.

Playgrounds: universal design not enough

A girl sits on the ground in a playspace. She is smiling at the camera. Universal design is not enough for inclusion.
Image from “Everyone Can Play” guide.

Children with disability are often excluded from playing at playgrounds due to design limitations. Of course, one solution includes building playgrounds using a universal design approach. However, playgrounds with universal design features are not enough to make an inclusive space. 

Universally designed playspaces bring play into the lives of families with disabilities. They also provide opportunities to champion disability advocacy, and support disabled children in developing critical social skills. However, additional work and resources are needed to achieve full social inclusivity.

Distance shot of children on a carousel or spinner
Image: Livvi’s Place Carousel

Findings from a Canadian study can help guide designs of future playgrounds and other community spaces to improve inclusivity for everyone. 

This paper begins with the playground experience and universal design and then applies this to other public spaces. 

The title of the article is, Understanding the experiences of parents of disabled and non-disabled children at playgrounds designed for disability inclusion. There is no free access to this publication in Disability and Society. However, you can request full access from ResearchGate. 

From the abstract

Disabled children and their families are often excluded from community play opportunities, including playgrounds. One potential solution is, of course, to design inclusive playgrounds.

This study explores the experiences of parents of disabled and non-disabled children at playgrounds inspired by Principles of Universal Design. Participants were 29 parents (16 with disabled children). They were located across four Canadian cities with newly built inclusively designed playgrounds.

Three themes were identified which provide deeper understandings of ableism in community playspaces and the impact on children and their families. 1. Inclusive playgrounds also act as a platform for disability advocacy. 2. They provide opportunities for social and emotional development. 3. Inclusive play may influence family dynamics.

Findings highlight the value of universal design, but indicate that physical environments alone do not ensure social inclusion, as social barriers can continue to exist even in spaces purposefully designed for disability inclusion.