annual review Our Vision

To Put Disability Sport and Inclusive Physical Activity at the Heart of Our Nation

Supported By: Introduction

- Strategic Goals 6 - Core Beliefs 7 - Message from the Chair and CEO 8 - Cara Team 10 - 2019: At A Glance 14

Sector Engagement & Support

- Supports to Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) 16 - Supports to National Governing Bodies (NGB) 20 - Xcessible Programme (Toolkit for Inclusion) 22 - Physical Activity Education Programme with HSE 24

Training & Education

- Inclusive Training Workshops 26 contents - Accessibility and the Great Outdoors 30

Growing Inclusive Communities

- Sport Inclusion Disability Charter 32 - I’m In Too - Stories from Inspirational People 36 - National Seminar for Inclusion 2019 38

Inclusive Participation

- Fit for All 2019 42 - Camp Abilities 2019 44

Financial Statements 48

sport • inclusion • 3 fostering supporting facilitating advocating developing empowering training creating

4 annual review 2019 inclusive opportunities in sport and physical activity

sport • inclusion • ireland 5 Strategic Goals

goal one Provide strategic leadership and support in the development and delivery of enhanced opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity of their choice.

goal two Represent the needs of people with disabilities in relation to their experiences in sport and physical activity, while also developing their awareness of the benefits and opportunities to participate.

goal three Enhance the quality of sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities.

goal four Build effective organisation capabilities to enable Cara respond to present and future needs through open, transparent and accountable operations.

6 annual review 2019 Core Beliefs

The work of Cara is is guided by the belief that people with disabilities should have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity within their local community, and that:

• Opportunities should be provided for all people with disabilities, irrespective of the nature/degree of their disability.

• People with disabilities should have choice in relation to activities, and the setting in which they take place – e.g. on a continuum running from fully segregated to fully integrated.

• Access to lifelong participation must be facilitated.

sport • inclusion • ireland 7 Message from the Chair and CEO

On behalf of all the Cara Team, we have great pleasure in presenting our annual report for 2019

Jon Morgan Niamh Daffy Chair, Board of Directors CEO, Cara

Sport plays a crucial role in shaping Ireland’s Ireland’s National Physical Activity Plan. We look national and cultural identity. There is also a forward to continuing to represent the disability growing awareness and recognition that peoples’ sport sector through our participation in the lives can be enhanced through participation, Sports Leadership Group established to guide the especially by improving health and wellbeing, implementation of the Government’s National increasing social interaction and empowering Sports Policy 2018-2027. people to be the best they can be. Emerging from public consultation exercises At Cara we aim to improve the life-chances for was a need for greater awareness specific to the people with disabilities by ensuring that they benefits of participation coupled with a need for have equal access to participation opportunities more information on how to become involved in sport and physical activity of their choice. in sport and physical activity opportunities at community level.

Putting people with disabilities Resulting projects such as the promotion of our National Sport Inclusion Charter was a at our core is key to helping us to key focus for Cara throughout 2019 with the understand our purpose and how long-term goal of achieving a nation where everyone plays a role to provide an accessible we can make a difference. environment where everyone is valued. We have been delighted by the ever-increasing number of organisations who have committed to the charter In 2019 we launched our three-year strategic – now in their hundreds! plan recognising that it can only succeed if we maintain a strong alignment with key partners, Another key aspect to our work has been the so we have made it our mission to work with the hugely successful ‘I’m In Too’ stories which are disability, sporting, community and statutory both enlightening and inspiring, highlighting the bodies that shape the sporting map of Ireland experiences and impact of sport and physical ensuing that we connect with National Sports activity on the lives of people with disabilities. Policy, ’s Policy on the Participation These lived experiences are central to the work of People with Disabilities in Sport and Healthy of Cara, enabling us to continue to be a strong

8 annual review 2019 voice and advocate on behalf of people with We also welcomed the opportunity to disabilities as together we seek to shape the strengthen our relationship with Government future of a more inclusive Ireland. Our heartfelt Departments, National Disability Sports thanks all who shared their stories with us Organisations, the Federation of Irish Sport, throughout the year. Sport for Business and Ireland Active.

Growing knowledge and capacity amongst front line delivery partners remains central to our strategic approach to increasing the number and range of opportunities for people with disabilities.

A great example of understanding the needs of We would like to acknowledge Sport Ireland and Niamh Daffy people with disabilities is the national Physical individually the relevant units within with whom Activity Education Programme, a pilot we have engaged over the past year. Thank CEO, Cara phase six-week interactive programme, run in you for your long-term support of Cara and your conjunction with the Health Service Executive shared ambition of a more inclusive sector. and delivered directly to people with disabilities through trained staff within Adult Day Care Hyundai Ireland are a long-standing valued services across Ireland. partner of Cara. Their support makes a huge difference and in so many ways, whether The type of project, together with the impact proudly supporting our vehicles or enabling us of our flagship events such as the national Fit to expand our programmes and events. We are for All initiative, Camp Abilities, and our popular grateful for their partnership and look forward to annual National Seminar for Inclusion, developing the relationship further. delivered in partnership with Sport Ireland, reflects our commitment to remaining ‘person In December 2019, with support from Hyundai centred’ ensuring that we use our resources Ireland, our ‘Leaders in Disability Sport’ wisely and to maximum effect. event was the perfect platform to acknowledge Founder and Chair of Cara, Pat Flanagan, who We continued to expand our Inclusive Training stepped down after almost 12 years of sharing Programme throughout 2019 delivering over his passion, dedication and guidance to our 100 workshops, supporting 1822 candidates. organisation. We were also delighted to launch an exciting new training programme in conjunction There were further changes to the Board of with Sport Ireland Outdoors, which aims to Directors, as we welcomed Sinead Galvin, enhance greater awareness and access to a Sinead White and Francis Daly to the Board of range of outdoor environments for people with Directors. The team at Cara remain committed disabilities. A huge thanks to our investment to maintaining the very highest standards of partners, tutors and to you for making 2019 our governance and remain committed to the most successful training year to date! Governance and Leadership Framework for Sport. Collaboration remains the key to ensuring our strategy is a success and in 2019 we enjoyed We thank our board, staff, ambassadors and the support of the Local Sports Partnerships tutors for their continued commitment over the and National Governing Bodies of Sport who past year and look forward to the challenges together have made a huge impact on our ahead as we continue to realise our vision of community networks particularly through the ‘putting disability sport and inclusive physical local clubs, leisure centres, schools, outdoor activity at the heart of our nation’. providers and community organisations.

sport • inclusion • ireland 9 Board of Directors

Jon Morgan, Chair Niall O’Flynn Sinead White Francis Daly Director with expertise in Media Director with expertise in Legal Director with specific and Communications Change Management, Risk and expertise on Company Risk Project Management Management

Senator Martin Conway Sinead Galvin Shay Kearns Spokesperson for Health with Director with expertise in Finance Director, Qualified expertise in Disability and Communications/Marketing Accountant with expertise in Inclusion and Sponsorship Corporate Governance

Leslee O’Loughlin Mary O’Connor Matt Connor HR Director with expertise in Director with expertise in Policy, Director with expertise across Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Governance and Strategic the Sport, Community and Acquisition & Development Development Disability Sector

10 annual review 2019 Cara Team

Niamh Daffy Brenda O’Donnell CEO Strategic Operations Manager Aoife Murphy Business Support Manager

Jo McCarthy Odhrán Doherty Doireann Ni Training and Education National Sport Inclusion Mhuircheartaigh Coordinator Coordinator Programmes and Events Coordinator

Rhian McCarroll Paul Ruane Physical Activity Programmes Brand Development & Coordinator Communications

sport • inclusion • ireland 11 Our Partners

Cara is extremely grateful to the following partners, funders and supporters who continue to assist us in enhancing sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities throughout Ireland.

Cara Ambassadors

Jordan Lee Ian McKinley Irish Paralympic Athlete Former Italian International Rugby Player

Joanne Cantwell Aidan O’Mahony Irish Sports Broadcaster Former Senior County Player, Member of An Garda Siochana and Founder AOM Fitness

12 annual review 2019 sport • inclusion • ireland 13 2019 at a glance

Stories from 111 Inspirational Training Workshops People Delivered 1,822 13 Participants i’m in too Champions

we supported 29 Local Sports Partnerships all over Ireland

to help create and 97 970 deliver inclusive activity Leisure Centres Participants all over Ireland took part in Fit for All

14 annual review 2019 21 Sports & Activities 37 Campers at Camp Abilities from 17 counties

clubs, centres, 244 organisations charter all over signees ireland 113 different 220 organisations delegates attended we supported

with help in 38 training, National Governing education, Bodies of Sport resources, all over Ireland funding and events

sport • inclusion • ireland 15 Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) Engagement and Support we supported 29 Local Sports Cara engaged with all 29 LSPs in 2019 in several key areas of Partnerships their work, and in particular supporting and engaging with the all over Ireland Sport Inclusion Disability Officers (SIDO) in each partnership individually and collectedly throughout the year. Cara has a positive relationship with all Local Sports Partnerships in Ireland and engage and collaborate effectively with the partnerships to ensure a collective vision of putting disability sport and inclusive physical activity at the heart of our nation can be achieved.

Local Sports Partnerships undertake a wide range of actions with the aim of increasing sport and physical activity participation levels in their local communities. These actions are grouped within four outcome areas:

• Working to develop clubs, coaches and volunteers and supporting partnerships between local sports clubs, community-based organisations and sector agencies.

• Creating great opportunities for access to training and education in relation to sports and physical activity provision

• Provision of targeted programmes, events and initiatives to increase physical activity and sport participation

• Providing information about sport and physical activity to create awareness and access.

The aim of the Sport Inclusion Disability Officer in each county is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in sport, fitness and physical activity. This is achieved through working in partnership with statutory agencies, sports clubs, community groups, facility providers, schools, disability service providers and people with disabilities.

16 annual review 2019 In 2019 Cara supported Local Sports Partnerships and Sport Inclusion Disability Officers in the following areas with a number of key achievements delivered.

1 Development of National Guidelines for LSPs & SIDOs

Throughout 2019 Cara worked in partnership with Sport Ireland’s Participation Unit to develop National Guidelines for Local Sports Partnerships and Sport Inclusion Disability Officers to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and physical activity.

The National Guidelines are a key supporting resource to assist LSPs and SIDOs in four key pillars of their work; • ​Development, Leadership & Governance • ​Coaching & Volunteer Supports • ​Active Participation • ​Visibility

Each pillar has defined aims and objectives and the guidelines will be included within Sport Ireland’s Policy document on Participation in Sport by people with Disabilities. These guidelines will support LSPs & SIDOs to deliver on the key objectives of the National Sports Policy as well and supporting greater continuity and evaluation of the impact of the work of LSPs & SIDOs on increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to sustain active participation in Sport & Physical Activity.

2 National Networking Event and Regional SIDO Meetings

Cara delivered a successful National Networking Event for LSPs & SIDOs in May 2019 with all 29 Local Sports Partnerships in attendance. Senior staff from Sport Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport also attended the event and delivered some workshops on the day specific to: • ​The National Sports Policy - Disability Focus & Key areas for LSPs • ​LSP Case Studies - Cork LSP & North East Inclusion Project • ​Sport Ireland Evaluation: Identifying indicators of Success • ​Tackling the Gradients Research: Findings from research undertaken by Sport Ireland Research Unit • ​Inclusive Training & Education, A Coordinated Approach - What’s working? What’s not? Where are the gaps?

sport • inclusion • ireland 17 In addition to the national networking event, four regional meetings were held in 2019 with the National Network of SIDOs in , Sligo, Meath & Tipperary. These meetings provided the opportunity for the development of a ‘community of practice’ among the SIDOs to form regional links, share ideas/resources and a support structure for the network. Cara continues to engage with the SIDO network to determine the necessary supports and guidance that can be provided through coordinated approach across the network.

3 National CPD & Training Event

Cara delivered a successful National CPD & Training event for all SIDOs in September 2019 in Kerry Sports Academy Tralee, and in conjunction with the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning (EOE) Conference which took place in Kerry on the same week. Two international speakers Prof. Lynn Anderson, the director of the Inclusive Recreation Resource Centre in the USA and Prof, Lauren Liebermann, a service professor at Brockport College USA & founder of Campabilities delivered sessions to the group during the event.

Key workshops and areas of discussion included; • ​Strategies for Community Inclusion • Inclusive Camps and Trails • ​Inclusion U and Audit Tools • ​Inclusive PE in Schools • Inclusion and Vision Impairment • ​Cara updates

4 SIDO Workforce & Recruitment

2019 saw a huge increase in the number of SIDOs employed by the Local Sports Partnerships. Over the course of the year 10 new SIDOs were appointed across the country with a National Network of 30 Officers in place by the end of the year. Throughout 2019, Cara supported the Local Sports Partnerships with the recruitment for Sport Inclusion Disability Officers through the development and sharing of sample application packs. and participation on a number of SIDO interview panels.

18 annual review 2019 7 LSP Sport Inclusion Disability Charter Support

All 29 Local Sports Partnerships have signed the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter in 2019. The LSPs continue to support the promotion and implementation of the charter at a local level within their counties by encouraging clubs, leisure providers, schools, and community organisations to sign and adopt the principles of the charter. Please see below for a breakdown of the number of organisations in each county who have signed the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter up to the end of 2019.

Carlow 4 Kilkenny 2 Offaly 8 Cavan 8 Laois 9 Roscommon 5 Clare 5 Leitrim 7 Sligo 2 Cork 18 Limerick 4 Tipperary 5 Donegal 11 Longford 1 Waterford 8 Dublin 50 Louth 3 Westmeath 3 Galway 10 Mayo 4 Wexford 2 Kerry 17 Meath 6 Wicklow 10 Kildare 7 Monaghan 6

8 Training & Education Engagements with LSPs

Cara supported the Local Sports partnerships in the delivery of Training & Education courses for clubs, volunteers, staff and community groups across Ireland. The Local Sports Partnerships, through the Sport Inclusion Disability Officer directly delivered a number of Disability Awareness Training Workshops in 2019 and indirectly supported the delivery of Cara’s National Inclusive Training Workshops in their county to groups and individuals who they engage with on a daily basis.

sport • inclusion • ireland 19 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB) Engagement and Support

Throughout 2019, Cara continued to engage with and support the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB), supporting 38 sport organisations with the delivery of inclusive training, review of education resources, support with funding applications, guidance on the adoption/implementation of the National Sport Inclusion Charter and development of the NGB Xcessible Toolkit. Cara also engaged with the National Sport Campus, Dublin in delivery of inclusive training, implementation of the Charter and support with programmes and events.

we supported 38 National Governing Bodies of Sport all over Ireland

In 2019 Cara provided direct support to NGB’s under the following headings:

1 Sports Inclusion Disability Charter

Throughout 2019, 19 NGBs pledged their commitment and signed the Sports Inclusion Disability Charter. Cara has continued to engage with all the NBGs and offering support and guidance on the signing of, declaration and implementation of the charter principles. In implementing key principles of the Charter, Cara supported a number of NGBs specifically in the development of an inclusive policy for their sport.

20 annual review 2019 2 Training and Education

Cara assisted a number of NGBs with the development of inclusive training workshops and the development of inclusive resources/ factsheets for their sport. This work predominately consisted of the creation of Disability Awareness modules for the Introductions and Level one coaching awards with a number of NGBs developing their own sports specific content for their level one and standalone CPD specific to coaching people with disabilities.

In 2019 Cara provided direct support to NGB’s under the following headings: 3 NGB Inclusive Programmes

Cara offered guidance to NGBs in the planning and design of inclusive programmes with specific support provided in reviewing funding applications, participation on committees/working groups to further enhance their sport opportunities for people with disabilities and continued promotion of the NGB programmes.

sport • inclusion • ireland 21 During 2019 Cara worked on the development of the Xcessible programme, a toolkit for inclusion for LSPs/NGBs (Bronze level) to support and empower their inclusive practice and to ensure a fully inclusive environment in all aspects of their organisation/sport.

Xcessible Programme

The Xcessible Programme for NGBs and LSPs focusses on five key areas which are consistent throughout all three levels of the programme (Bronze-Silver-Gold). The five key areas are reflective of the principles outlined within the National Sports Inclusion Disability Charter which forms the basis for the commitment and progression through each level of the Xcessible Programme. The commitment level required at each stage gradually increases as will the support organisations receive from Cara.

The five areas of commitment embedded throughout Xcessible are:

1 Openness 2 People 3 Activities 4 Facilities 5 Promotion

22 annual review 2019 Four NGBs and three LSPs have been identified to participate in the pilot programme in 2020

The selected organisations are: Mayo LSP, Kildare LSP, Clare LSP, , , , Ireland.

Each organisation will be supported to work towards the completion of the Bronze Stage of the Xcessible programme in which they will be required to fulfil a number of objectives under each of the 5 key commitment areas. Each LSP/NGB will be required to evidence their work to a panel of experts on their experience, results and outcomes of their work.

Xcessible Programme Development

As a means to provide a toolkit for the sports sector in the implementation of the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter, Cara engaged with Disability Sport Wales to gather some insight into their Insport Programme for Local Authorities, Clubs and NGBs. Following a site visit to Wales. During the visit, Cara gained insights from a number of Local Authorities and NGBs who had successfully delivered on the objectives of Insport and provided valuable feedback on the positive impact of the programme on their work embedding inclusion across their organisations.

In maintaining a strong working relationship with colleagues in Disability Sport Wales. In 2020, Cara will be providing the pilot organisations with the opportunity to connect with Welsh Local Authorities and NGBs to share their journeys of inclusion, resources and ideas.

sport • inclusion • ireland 23 Physical Activity Education Programme in partnership with the HSE and Sport Ireland

The Physical Activity Education Programme is for people with disabilities with a targeted delivery through adult day care services. Developed in partnership with the HSE and Sport Ireland, the aim of the programme is to increase the knowledge and understanding of people with disabilities on the importance and benefits of being physically active and the opportunities that are available to participate within their local community.

Currently in the pilot phase of the programme the Physical Activity Education programme consists of six weeks of delivery, which highlights the benefits, impact and importance of exercise, being active, good nutrition, hydration alongside educating participants on where they can be active in their local community.

A Partnership Approach

Cara: Throughout 2019, Cara coordinated the final development of programme resources i.e. participating resources, tutor resource, promotion of the programme, development of a train the trainer workshop, and will oversee and support the implementation of the programme within Adult Day Services.

HSE: The HSE Disability Services assisted in increasing awareness of the programme and its importance in achieving the goals of the National Disability Strategy and New Directions Policy. In addition, the HSE Disability Services provide direction in engaging with the CHO areas for pilot implementation and will support Cara in scheduling presentations to each CHO throughout 2020. The establishment of an Advisory group coordinated by HSE HEAL aims to oversee the final stages of development, implementation and evaluation of the programme, providing guidance and advice on project coordination.

Sport Ireland: Sport Ireland, through its Local Sports Partnerships and SIDO Networks provides support to the local Adult Day Services in the follow up after the programme delivery in embedding a physical activity agenda within the service and supporting links to community participation opportunities. By working closely with the SIDO in each area, the Adult Day Services will have support to find opportunities for their service users to be active both in the service and in their local community.

24 annual review 2019 Why This Programme Was Developed

The Physical Activity Education Programme project aims to provide training to staff working in adult disability day care services to deliver a 6-week physical activity education programme to service users. It also aims to connect services and service users with the supports offered by the Local Sports Partnership and the Sport Inclusion Disability Programme. • Increased awareness among people with disabilities specific to their individual needs as to the benefits of physical activity and opportunities to participate within their local communities. • Support the adoption of a positive culture among people with disabilities specific to awareness and understanding of the health benefits of physical activity. • Increased capacity within disability services in adopting a culture which contributes to active and healthy lifestyles for everyone impacting on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. • Increased engagement between local disability services, people with disabilities and community organisations who provide participation opportunities and referral pathways for people with disabilities. • Increased awareness amongst staff within disability services about the benefits and impact of physical activity. • Increased confidence and competence amongst staff within disability services to be able to deliver inclusive physical activity and exercise sessions to people with disabilities.

What Was Achieved In 2019

• Physical Activity Education Programmes Coordinator appointed within Cara in July 2019. • Programme content reviewed and ammended ahead of the pilot delivery. • Final programme content developed and designed. • Tutor training days schedule finalised and tutor training packs created. • Evaluation framework created and finalised for the pilot of the programme. • IT Tralee final year student engaged with to support the research and evaluation for the programme as part of their undergraduate thesis. • SIDO’s briefed on the programme, its aims, objectives, the role of the disability services and the role of the SIDO’s to create better links with the services and their local community and opportunities to be physically active. • 10 disability services recruited and confirmed to deliver the programme at their service • 22 staff from the services committed to becoming ‘programme leaders’ for the programme and be upskilled to become tutors for the programme.

sport • inclusion • ireland 25 111 Training Workshops Delivered

Training & Education 1,822 Participants

The delivery of a range of inclusive training and education 26 Tutors workshops assist us in sharing our vision of ‘putting disability sport Nationwide and inclusive physical activity at the heart of the nation’. Workshops are delivered across the country to Sports Clubs, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Leisure Centres, Outdoor Centres, across the Education sector and to a range of other groups and organisations operating at both National and local level.

Cara hugely values the partnership with the network of Local Sports Partnerships and the Sports Inclusion Disability Officers in coordinating the facilitation of the workshops at local level. Our high standard of workshops equip people from all sectors to confidently deliver programmes suitable for all with the ultimate aim of increasing opportunities for people with disabilities in a sport or physical activity of their choosing.

26 annual review 2019 Cara Tutor Network

Cara is fortunate to have a team of highly skilled, experienced tutors who assist us in the delivery of our workshops across the country. The tutor team is made up of 26 tutors, 9 of which are Sport Inclusion Disability Officers from Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Mayo, Sligo & Waterford and the remaining tutors working across the following organisations: COPE Foundation Cork, Institutes of Technology, National Learning Networks, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Outdoor Centres and St Michaels House, Dublin.

Some quotes from participants at some of our workshops:

The tutor explained everything so well and gave lots of examples. I would have listened to him for another two hours, it was fascinating.

I found the practical side of the workshop invaluable and found the tutor to be understanding and clear in how to set up games and tasks to ensure confidence in everyone taking part, even me!

The video on how to adapt exercises was fantastic, Tutor was incredible, had great knowledge and broke up the structure for the training very well.

sport • inclusion • ireland 27 Cara Training & Education Workshops

Cara offers the following suite of workshops aimed at increasing awareness on inclusion and offering guidance on how to adapt sports and physical activity with the ultimate aim of providing participation opportunities for all.

Autism in Sport Disability Inclusion Training

Providing attendees with an understanding Providing knowledge, skills and ideas on how of Autism and practical strategies which will to adapt and modify your sport, physical help to include people with autism in sport activity or physical education sessions to sessions. make them more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

Inclusive Fitness Training Sport Inclusion and Disability Awareness Increasing the confidence and awareness of fitness managers, fitness professionals and Building awareness around people with all front line staff to work with people with disabilities participating in community sport disabilities in the fitness sector. and physical activity.

Disability Awareness Inclusive Adventure Training (NGBs) Activities Training

Supporting NGBs in developing and Inspiring participants to help make their enhancing provision, opportunities, and adventure activities and outdoor environments practices, which will ensure that people with more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities have the opportunity to access disabilities. sport at a level suitable to them.

Accessibility and Inclusive Physical Education the Great Outdoors (PE)

Build awareness and training around the Providing teachers with the opportunity ‘Great Outdoors, A Guide for Accessibility’ to enhance their knowledge, skills and resource with a view to greatly improving the understanding of how to include ALL pupils, accessibility of Ireland’s Great Outdoors. regardless of ability, within their PE lessons.

28 annual review 2019 Tutor Training

Each year, Cara facilitates annual in-service for the tutors to provide an opportunity to network, share ideas, learn new ways of effective delivery and upskill in a particular area of inclusion.

As part of the European Week of Sport 2019, Cara in conjunction with Sport Ireland coordinated a day of inclusion training at the Kerry Sports Academy for the network of Sport Inclusion Disability Officers and the network of Cara Training Tutors. The training was facilitated by two international leaders in Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity. Dr Lynn Anderson is a Distinguished Service Professor in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department at State University of New York at Cortland, and the Director for the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center. She has been active in the field of therapeutic recreation, inclusion, and outdoor recreation for over 40 years. Dr. Lauren Liebermann, is a Distinguished Service Professor at The College at Brockport, State University of New York, and teaching adapted physical education. She is the leading authority in the world on physical activity and sports for children who are blind or visually impaired.

Expanding outside of the Sport Sector

Throughout 2019, there has been increasing engagement on Cara training workshops with organisations outside the sport sector. Along with Kerry Library, through our partnership with the COPE Foundation in Cork, we engaged with Cork Prison and delivered Disability Inclusion Training as part of the LSP Community Coaching Programme. As a result of this engagement, the Irish Prison Service engaged with Cara to seek support on how to support and include prisoners with Autism. In addition to expanding into other sectors, there has been increased engagement with the Third Level Education Institutes throughout 2019.

These include:

• Athlone Institute of Technology • Institute of Technology Tralee • Carlow Institute of Technology • Dundalk Institute of Technology • Galway Mayo Institute of Technology • Letterkenny Institute of Technology • University College Cork

sport • inclusion • ireland 29 sport • inclusion • ireland

30 annual review 2019 Accessibility and the Great Outdoors

Caras ‘Accessibility and the Great Outdoors’ project was established in early 2019 as an awareness and training project built around the recently published Sport Ireland and IWA Sport guidance document ‘Great Outdoors, A Guide for Accessibility’.

Funded by Sport Ireland Dormant Account Programme, the project led to engagement with key land agencies such as Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Bord na Mona, and County Councils around the county and culminated in the running of 4 Regional Trainings which targeted managers, developers, designers and planners of publicly accessible outdoor facilities and amenities. With attendees from a wide spread of disciplines including Architects, Engineers, Site managers, Rural Recreation Officers, Sports Inclusion Disability Officers to name but a few, 45 people in total benefitted from the day-long trainings. Workshop participants developed their skills in auditing and designing for accessibility across information systems, way-finding, trails, beaches, waterways and associated support- built facilities to inform the development of their site specific ‘Access Improvement Plans’.

The training focused on identifying site improvement possibilities and opportunities arrived at through a critical evaluation process to develop amenities that are as accessibility as possible, to as wide a range of end-users as possible, while working with and respecting the natural environment. Attendees commented that one of the most impactful elements of the training was the experiential awareness activities at the beginning which ensured the guidance recommendations which followed resonated in a resounding manner.

The overriding feedback to the training was positive with 100% of respondents noting they would recommend the training to colleagues and associates. It is hoped this project will continue and broaden its scope in 2020 with increased departmental engagement and a wider spread of trainings with the ultimate aim of engendering the cross sector attitudinal and policy changes needed to vastly improve the accessibility of Ireland’s beautiful outdoor amenities.

sport • inclusion • ireland 31 Since its launch, 244 organisations throughout Ireland have signed up to the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter pledging their commitment to enhance sport and physical activity 244 opportunities for people with disabilities making active and charter healthy lifestyles possible for all. signees

from clubs, gyms, centres & organisations all over ireland

Aim of The Charter

By signing up to this Charter, organisations receive resources to support them in their journey in addressing the five specific key areas identified by people with disabilities, media templates to publicise their support of the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter, and information on training and events specific to the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and physical activity.

The 5 Key Principles of The Charter

Openness Be open to and understanding of all people with disabilities

People Access training for our staff/volunteers to facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities

Activities Develop and deliver inclusive activities

Facilities Review our facility/venues/equipment to make our organisation more accessible

Promotion Promote the inclusive nature of our activities, in a variety of formats

32 annual review 2019 29 77 counties clubs Signees in 2019 20 different 244 sports/activities total 44 represented fitness & signees leisure centres 29 LSP’s 24 NGB’s 22 & national disability organisations services

sport • inclusion • ireland 33 How The Charter Was Developed

Sport and physical activity are central to the fabric of life in Ireland. As citizens of this state, people with disabilities have a right to be active within their local communities. In our efforts to truly understand what it is really like for a person with a disability to be active in Ireland, we carried out nationwide focus groups with people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. We engaged with 140 people across 22 counties, who were both active and inactive, and asked about their experiences, challenges and needs in relation to their participation in sport and physical activity. From the vast feedback we received, we developed and launched this Charter at the end of 2018.

One of Caras strategic goals was to provide a platform for people with disabilities , where we can understand their experience participating in sport and physical activity , and truly reflect what people with disabilities are asking all organisations to consider in making active and healthy lifestyles possible for all. Simply put, the Charter aims to provide a framework in which any organisation can follow, in making their activities accessible to all.

Organisations Who Signed The Sport Inclusion Disability Charter in 2019

With such a significant number of organisations throughout Ireland signing up to the Charter throughout 2019, it is our aim in2020 to showcase and promote examples of good practice across our media platforms. By sharing these case studies, not only will it promote the great work that organisations are doing, but it will also inspire others in making simple changes within their own organisations. Using the 5 key principles which people with disabilities are asking organisations to consider will impact on greater participation opportunities for all.

34 annual review 2019 sport • inclusion • ireland

sport • inclusion • ireland 35 i’m in too Stories from Inspirational People

The ‘I’m In Too’ movement is a platform where people with disabilities share their own stories of their experiences participating in sport and physical activity. These stories, captured in written or visual formats, are regularly shared across our social media accounts and through our website.

People with disabilities should have every opportunity to be active within their local communities. The ‘I’m In Too’ movement was created to shed light on this, and to truly capture the voices of people with disabilities, to fully understand and appreciate the impact sport and physical activity has on their lives. By sharing these stories, and by providing a platform for people with disabilities across Ireland to express, in their own words, their experiences and needs in terms of being involved in sport and physical activity, we hope that will truly resonate with the reader and be a catalyst for real change across the sector.

36 annual review 2019 ‘I’m In Too’ Champions

Over the course of 2019, we shared the stories of 13 new I’m In Too Champions. The ‘I’m In Too’ movement wouldn’t be possible without our Champions - those who were willing to go before the cameras or took the time to write their story. So Sophia, Freya, Hanna, Cian, Patrick, Chris, Colin, Leo, Daniel, Jodie, Joey, Dale and Antoinette, for your honesty, openness, time and willingness to share your experiences, hopes, challenges and dreams with us and all around, we sincerely thank you.

We are in continuous communication with various organisations throughout the country; including LSPs, NGBs, local and national organisations, disability services and clubs. The ongoing release of these inspirational stories would not be possible without their support.

We are always looking for new inspirational stories to share across the sport and physical activity sector, if you have a story to share or know someone who would like to tell their story of inclusion please get in touch.

sport • inclusion • ireland 37 Cara in partnership with Sport Ireland were delighted to host the 5th Annual National Seminar for Inclusion, on November 21st in the 220 Castleknock Hotel, Dublin. The theme for this year’s seminar was on delegates ‘Children and Young People with Disabilities’, titled “Growing Stronger Together”, and coincided with World Children’s Day. 113 different organisations attended

Each year, the National Seminar for Inclusion has been a place of great learning and sharing whilst highlighting and discussing areas of importance in sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities in Ireland. With our theme focussed on Children and Young People with Disabilities, the event consisted of a combination of key note addresses and interactive breakout sessions based around the different areas where children with disabilities have the opportunity to be active; sport, physical activity, and physical education. Our main aim was to provide attendees the opportunity to hear directly from children and young people with disabilities, network, and through interactive breakout sessions discuss the various challenges and solutions facing the inclusion of children and young people in sport and physical activity.

Keynote speaker Brendan O’Connor, Media Personality and Journalist, who gave a very open and insightful talk from the perspective of a parent of a child with a disability. The second keynote speaker was Chris Watts, Para Triathlete and Swimming Teacher, who delivered a truly inspirational story about his challenges and successes.

38 annual review 2019 “Nothing about us, without us!”

When we initially set about planning for this event, we really took that sentiment to heart. We decided from the offset that children and young people needed to be at the core of this event, all the way from the planning to the implementation of the event.

Participants Who Were Involved

Over 220 registered to attend this event, and the event for the first time sold out 2 weeks in advance of the event. Attending this event, we had representatives from all across the sport, physical activity, health and education sectors:

• 220 registered to attend • 113 different organisations • Representation from NGBs, LSPs, national, international organisations, disability organisations, disability services, fitness & leisure, education, local sports clubs, outdoor adventure organisations, government department, sports management organisations, parents, athletes and young people with disabilities.

sport • inclusion • ireland 39 Consultation with Children and Young People

In the early stages, we held a consultation meeting with some children and young people, to truly understand their experiences, wishes and needs when it comes to being involved in sport and physical activity. We discussed all of their issues and experiences in terms of sport, physical activity, physical education, and being involved in the decision-making process. This group of young people were also responsible for creating the title ‘Growing Stronger Together’ for this event, alongside the imagery and branding that goes alongside it. Thank you to all who have helped us shape this day!

In advance of the National Seminar for Inclusion, Cara in conjunction with Kate Feeney, (Cork LSP SIDO) attended the ‘Beyond Limits’ event in Croke Park, organised by the Ombudsman for Children’s office. At the event, we had the opportunity facilitate a consultation session with children with disabilities, speaking to them about their experiences of being active, and what they felt they would like to pass onto those involved in providing them with opportunities to be active.

In general, the children we spoke to talked about both positive and negative experiences of being or trying to be involved in sport and physical activity. They spoke of the importance of feeling included, a sense of belonging and accomplishment, the importance of not labelling but seeing them as individuals, how often very small changes such as slowing down the instructions can change everything, and the importance of positive attitudes towards their inclusion, the lack and cost or suitable equipment.

Some quotes included: “I can find it overwhelming when everyone “I love the freedom I get!” is better than me” “Make things fair for people “Everyone should take part together!” with and without disabilities” “Be you, Be unique!” “It’s just not designed for us”

Presentations, Speakers and Facilitators

A Sport B Physical Education

“Sport Has The Power To Change A Child’s World” “Building The Blocks To Lifelong Activity” Presenter: Fiach Andrews (Badminton Ireland) Presenter: Dr Frances Murphy (Dublin City University) Facilitator: Mary O’Connor (Federation of Irish Sport) Facilitator: Dr Sarah Meegan (Dublin City University)

C Recreation D Engaging With Children & Young People “A Family That Plays Together, Stays Together!” Presenter: Matt Shields (parkrun Ireland) “Tell Me And I Forget. Teach Me And I Remember. Facilitator: Tomás Aylward (Institute of Technology, Tralee) Involve Me And I Learn.” Facilitators: Kate Feeney (Cork LSP) and Caitriona Corr (Kilkenny LSP)

40 annual review 2019 Feeback from Attendees

Feedback received from the event was very positive, with over 90% of all replies rating the event and its components as either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.

“I really enjoyed it, got a great buzz from it, I learned a lot!”

Many also indicated their resulting confidence working in such an area, the ideas the generated from the sessions and the multiple opportunities for networking and collaborations on offer throughout the day.

sport • inclusion • ireland 41 fit for all The 2019 National FitForAll Week took place from the 5th May The national FitForAll week is aimed at to 11th May. increasing awareness among people with disabilities, their families/carers and disability services on the benefits of regular exercise, healthy lifestyles and opportunities to participate within the local community. We 970 97 Participants Leisure Centres also aim and to increase the confidence of all over Ireland took leisure/fitness providers in providing accessible part in Fit For All programmes and facilities. 26 Counties got involved

Cara worked in conjunction with each Local Sports Partnership and the network of Sports Inclusion Disability Officers to increase awareness of the FitForAll week across each county. We provided inclusive fitness training to leisure centre staff and fitness professionals to increase their knowledge in the area of disability and fitness.

We highlighted how individuals with disabilities how to get involved in their local gym, leisure centre or fitness programme through interactive ‘I’m In Too’ videos on personal experiences.

FitForAll increases awareness of the benefits of participating in local leisure/fitness activities.

42 annual review 2019 During the FitforALL week leisure centres, fitness facilities both public and private, community halls, professional trainers etc. across Ireland were invited to host and promote inclusive activities for individuals with disabilities to participate within their programmes.

Leisure centres and fitness professionals that were interested in participating were encouraged to register their centre details at www.caracentre.ie/fitforall. Participating centres were asked to review their current programmes with a view of promoting activities to people with disabilities or in the case where no suitable programmes existed review the possibilities of developing new activities.

Outcomes of FitForAll 2019

• Increase in the number of participating centres. • A minimum of 2 leisure centres from every county opened their doors to people with disabilities during this week providing free access to their facilities. • A number of Inclusive Fitness Training workshops were delivered to all participating centres in advance of the FitForAll week. Ireland Active helped to facilitate this process. • Examples of some of the programmes that were delivered during the week were promoted nationally across social media channels. • Individuals with disabilities and what they are doing in the area of fitness and exercise were showcased, highlighting where individuals with disabilities are working in the area of fitness.

sport • inclusion • ireland 43 camp abilities 37 Campers 2019 was a landmark year for Camp Abilities as we at Camp Abilities celebrated 10 years of the Camp here in Ireland. Since from 17 counties 2010, Camp Abilities Ireland has offered a weeklong residential sport and physical activity camp for children 21 with vision impairments throughout Ireland. Sports & Activities

In 2019, 37 Campers and 3 LITs from 17 different counties all across Ireland descended upon Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre for a week of sports, activities, fun and games.

The week long residential sports and physical activity camp offers children with vision impairments aged between 10 and 15 years an action-packed week of activities. Every year the children go home with increased confidence, self-esteem, new friendships and a recognition of their abilities in a wide range of sport and physical activity opportunities.

Creating Opportunities

At Camp Abilities Ireland, children are given the opportunity to try new sports and activities they might not have had the chance to do in the past. By giving the children the chance to try new activities, not only could they find something they really enjoy, but their self-esteem can increase, often giving them the confidence to advocate for themselves in their own community.

In 2019, Camp Abilities delivered 21 different sports and physical activities throughout the week, a number which has not been reached in previous years. While campers were kept occupied with a variety of outdoor, teambuilding, individual and team related sports and physical activities, our Leaders In Training undertook a new venture this year, where they had the opportunity to plan and complete a 2 day expedition, involving rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, canoeing, camping and cooking.

44 annual review 2019 Camp Abilities – A Partnership Approach

While Cara has taken the role as the lead agency in developing and coordinating Camp Abilities over the years, the effective execution wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners. Through the immense support we received from the National Council for the Blind, Cappanalea National Outdoors Education and Training Centre, IT Tralee, Vision Sport Ireland and Sport Ireland, Camp Abilities has continued to thrive from year to year.

Camp Abilities also sought the assistance and expertise of the National Governing Bodies to support the delivery of sports and activities session provided each year. By engaging with these national leaders and their sport/activity, Camp Abilities was able to create a link so that the campers (past and present) will have opportunities to participate in these sports/ activities in their local communities.

Having celebrated its 10 years, we are delighted to share that Camp Abilities will be moving under the coordination of the National Council for the Blind and Vision Sport Ireland from 2020 on. Both NCBI and VSI have been instrumental in getting camp to where it is today and this transition allows for a continued and hopefully expansion opportunity for other children with vision impairment to experience the ‘magic of camp’. Cara will still remain very much involved in supporting the planning and delivery of camp, a programme which has grown with Cara over the years.

Camp Volunteers - The People Who Make It Possible

It would also not be possible to run Camp Abilities, and the campers would not be able to reach their individual goals throughout the week without the incredible support from campsdedicated, energetic and caringVolunteer Team. In 2019, camp was supported by an incredible team of 30 adult volunteers from 15 counties throughout Ireland, all of whom we forever grateful to and all who are very much part of the Camp Abilities family!

sport • inclusion • ireland 45 Financial Statements Financial year ended 31 December 2019

How We Are Funded

Income

Sport Ireland: € 354,550

Health Service Executive: € 27,500

Partnership Grants: € 20,716

Training & Sector Support: € 105,630

Fundraising & Sponsors: € 75,000

Events & Registrations: € 21,141

Total Income: € 604,537

46 annual review 2019 How We Spend To Influence and Impact

Expenditure

Governance & Strategic Leadership: € 141,988

Training, Education & Events: € 208,108

Community Support & Engagement: € 167,096

Total Expenditure: € 517,193

Surplus: € 87,344 [To increase reserves and protect against financial risk ]

Continued Support

We would like to acknowledge the continued support from the Dormant Accounts Funding Programme

sport • inclusion • ireland 47 Overview of Events Attended/Presented at by Cara in 2019

Event Organiser Month Location Special Olympics Team Ireland Launch Special Olympics March Dublin ‘Learn – Share – Progress’ Seminar Sport Ireland March Dublin Sports Inclusion Briefing Cavan Sports Partnership February Cavan Women in Sport Policy Launch Sport Ireland February Dublin Cork Sports Ability Day Cork LSP April Cork Waterford Sports Ability Day Waterford LSP April Waterford Sport Industry Awards Federation of Irish Sport April Dublin Sport For Business Briefing Sport For Business May Dublin National Conference Federation of Irish Sport May Dublin DLR Sportability Event DLR Sports Partnersip May Dublin iCoach Kids Conference iCoach Kids June Limerick Iparc Symposium Iparc June Dublin International Wheelchair Games Launch GAA June Dublin Active School Flag Networking Event Active School Flag June Dublin National Stakeholder Policy Department of Transport, July Dublin Consultation Tourism & Sport & Kerry 2019/2020 Women in Sport Investment Sport Ireland August Dublin Axa Community Bike Programme Launch Cycling Ireland August Dublin Boost with Facebook - Social Media Event Facebook September Dublin CSPPA Launch Sport Ireland, September Dublin Sport Northern Ireland, Healthy Ireland NGB & LSP Networking Day Sport Ireland October Dublin Beyond Limits The Ombudsman for October Dublin Children’s Office Healthy Clubs Conference GAA October Dublin

48 annual review 2019 sport • inclusion • ireland

sport • inclusion • ireland 49 Head Office: Kerry Sports Academy, Institute of Technology Tralee, North Campus, Tralee, Co. Kerry Phone: +353 (0) 66 7145646

Dublin Office: Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Phone: +353 (0) 1 6251160

Email: [email protected]

www.caracentre.ie