Paddle UK has launched a new mini-series resource regarding neurodiversity.
The mini-series began during Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18 – 24 March 2024) and will continue until 17 April 2024.
Paddle UK has partnered with Neurodiverse Sport, a charity working to improve the “development of neuroinclusive practice in sport” through building awareness, education and consultancy.
Made up of five parts, this mini-series aims to support the paddling community with greater knowledge and understanding about neurodiversity, and provide inclusive practice information.
Resources included in the mini-series includes a glossary of key terms and definitions; information on individual neurodivergent conditions, and the support individuals with these conditions might need to thrive while paddling; and sharing lived experience accounts from across the paddling community.
Helena Russo, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Paddle UK said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with NDS in order to create a resource we're really proud of.
“Paddle UK has received an increasing number of requests for information about neurodiversity, and how to support neurodivergent paddlers, so we knew we needed to create something that supported that need.
“I also wanted to make sure that we centred the voices of neurodivergent paddlers in the resource, which I hope we've been able to do.
“Support from NDS has been invaluable in creating something valuable and meaningful in this area.”
Each part of the mini-series will be released weekly from the 20th March until 17th April 2024 and hosted on the BCAB Digital Library.
Paddle UK hopes that these resources will continue to support more people to get out on the water, and more people to feel confident in supporting paddlers with a range of needs.
Caragh McMurtry, Founder of Neurodiverse Sport, said: “It’s been my absolute pleasure to contribute to this resource on behalf of Neurodiverse Sport.
“It’s the first of its kind and we’re really excited to see the impact it will undoubtedly make.
“We’d like to say thank you to Helena, her team, and Paddle UK on behalf of the Neurodiverse Sport community for showing allyship and furthering our cause – to embed neuroinclusive practise into all sports.
“We know this resource will help so many people.”
First up in the series is an introduction to neurodiversity. You can learn about what neurodiversity is and the key definitions. Access the first part of the mini-series resources via the BCAB Digital Library.
Part two of the mini-series is now available. We look ‘beyond neurodiversity’ as a topic in this resource.
Part three of the mini-series is now available. Neurodiverse paddlers share their experiences.
For more information about the work of Neurodiverse Sport please visit their website.