World Sailing publishes Accessibility Guide to support inclusion at events and venues

World Sailing publishes Accessibility Guide to support inclusion at events and venues © World Sailing

World Sailing has published its first Accessibility Guide to support and advise event organisers and venues in making proactive changes to encourage a fully inclusive sport at all levels.

The guide outlines a series of reasonable adjustments that can be made to improve inclusivity which are adaptable based on the circumstances.

The Accessibility Guide draws from several existing documents to provide a comprehensive self-assessment tool covering a broad range of topics, including:

• Safety Protocol: Creating a quantitative risk assessment and the risk factors to consider.
• Physical Access: Ensuring easy access to sailing facilities, boats, and equipment.
• Communication: Providing clear and accessible communication for all participants.
• Training and Education: Offering inclusive training programs and resources.
• Competition: Adapting racing rules and formats to accommodate diverse abilities.

Hannah Stodel, Para Sailing Manager at World Sailing, said, "World Sailing is committed to fostering a sailing community that embraces diversity and empowers individuals of all abilities. The World Sailing Accessibility Guide follows a typical journey from arriving at the venue to going on the water. It highlights the most common issues faced by people with disabilities and offers suggestions on how to resolve the situation.

"By implementing as many of these guidelines as is reasonable, venues and event organisers can help to ensure there are no physical barriers to the services and facilities on offer. Sailing is a sport for all, and it is important that people with disabilities can participate fully in the sport they love."

As well as recognising the diversity of physical disabilities, the guide also offers advice for sailing clubs, event organisers, venues, marinas, training centre and other facilities to consider for all disabilities, including those often unseen such as learning and intellectual challenges.

The World Sailing Accessibility Guide is available to download in both PDF and plain text versions on the World Sailing website.