BSWA Inclusion & Accessibility Guidelines

Inclusion & Accessibility Guidelines

Applies to: Employees, contractors, facilitators, volunteers, and board members
Programs: All Blind Sports WA activities, including Let’s Get Visible

1. Purpose

Blind Sports Western Australia Inc. (Blind Sports WA) is committed to creating inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments where people who are blind or vision-impaired can participate with confidence, dignity, and choice.

These Inclusion & Accessibility Guidelines support staff, facilitators, and volunteers to deliver programs that recognise diverse access needs and promote meaningful participation for everyone.

2. Our Commitment to Inclusion

Blind Sports WA is committed to:

• Removing barriers to participation wherever possible

• Respecting individual access needs and lived experience

• Promoting independence, choice, and self-determination

• Creating environments that are physically, socially, and emotionally accessible

• Listening to participants and adapting practices accordingly

3. Understanding Functional Vision

Vision loss is diverse. Participants may experience:

• Total blindness

• Low vision

• Fluctuating or progressive vision loss

• Vision impacted by lighting, glare, fatigue, or contrast

Facilitators should never assume what a participant can or cannot see. Always ask, listen, and adapt.

4. Communication Guidelines

To support inclusive communication:

• Introduce yourself by name when speaking

• Use clear, direct language (avoid pointing or vague phrases such as “over there”)

• Describe the environment, activities, and changes as needed

• Ask participants how they prefer to receive information or assistance

• Give verbal cues during activities (e.g. directions, countdowns, spatial information)

• Allow extra time for questions, orientation, and transitions

5. Offering Assistance

When offering assistance:

• Always ask before helping

• Respect a participant’s choice to accept or decline assistance

• Follow the participant’s instructions on how they prefer to be supported

• Avoid taking control unless there is an immediate safety concern

Support should enable independence, not replace it.

6. Physical Environments & Equipment

Facilitators should:

• Ensure spaces are as free from hazards as possible

• Be mindful of trip hazards, protruding objects, cords, and uneven surfaces

• Maintain consistent layouts where possible

• Describe equipment and its location

• Use tactile markers, sound cues, or contrast where appropriate

7. Inclusive Facilitation Practices

Inclusive facilitation includes:

• Adapting activities to suit different abilities and access needs

• Using sound, touch, and clear verbal instruction as part of delivery

• Encouraging participation at the participant’s own pace

• Avoiding assumptions or comparisons between participants

• Celebrating effort, enjoyment, and personal progress

8. Respect, Dignity, and Language

All representatives must:

• Use respectful, person-centred language

• Avoid pity-based or patronising language

• Respect privacy and confidentiality

• Support participants to speak for themselves

• Challenge stereotypes and ableist assumptions

9. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Blind Sports WA welcomes feedback from participants, families, staff, and volunteers.

If something is not working or could be improved:

• Raise it respectfully with a Program Coordinator

• Be open to learning and adapting

• Treat feedback as an opportunity for growth

10. Guideline Review

These guidelines may be updated from time to time.

The most current version will be available online or provided during onboarding.

All persons engaged by Blind Sports WA are expected to uphold these Inclusion & Accessibility Guidelines as part of their commitment to inclusive practice.