Sofi De Lesantis is Manager of Metropolitan Community Facilities at Sport and Recreation Victoria. Her team works in partnership with local government to plan and invest in new and improved sport and recreation facilities that aim to meet the needs of all users across metropolitan Melbourne.
Sofi applies universal design thinking and principles in the sport and recreation sector. This includes procurement and planning processes to influence design outcomes and how its use can lead to more active and engaged communities.
Sofi De Lesantis presentation slideshow PDF 2MB
From the abstract:
As Australians, sport and recreation forms an invaluable part of our cultural fabric. At the elite level it is a source of pride and unity. At the grassroots level it is in many cases the heart of entire communities.
We need quality facilities for players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supported to participate equitably.
Sporting facilities at both the elite and community levels share one think in common. People come from all walks of life to participate: whether young or old, tall or short, with differing levels of ability and from countless different cultural backgrounds. Sporting facilities serve as a social hubs and provide non-sporting-related community groups with a place to meet, and hold events.
The principles of universal design provide an opportunity like no other to facilitate inclusion in sporting facilities. By incorporating universal design principles, we can ensure that not just some people, but all people, can feel included and share in the same experience without the need for differentiated or specialised/adapted features.
Victoria has implemented a universal design approach to sporting facilities with great success. It has also played a key role in ensuring equitable access and an inclusive environment for all who love of sport and recreation.
This presentation encourages practical, insightful, and informative discussion about applying universal design thinking and principles in sport and recreation. It begins with procurement and planning process through to influencing design outcomes. The result is more active and engaged communities.