Include

Include helped community groups become more accessible for young people who are blind or partially sighted.

Sported’s Include pilot project, run in partnership with Angel Eyes NI, helped community sport groups become more knowledgeable and accessible for young people who are blind or partially sighted, and provided opportunities for young visually impaired people to become involved in their local community sports groups.

Project impact

Include helped community groups become more accessible for young people who are blind or partially sighted.

Sported and Angel Eyes NI together developed and delivered an ‘Understanding Visual Impairment’ training programme and resources for community sport groups across NI. The groups also received Sported volunteer support to help embed the learning into their day-to-day activities.

The young people, along with their parents, offered their ‘lived experience’ to help groups understand how to make their activities and services more accessible and inclusive. In doing so, they helped create more opportunities for young people to become active in sport.

"The difference in Caoimhin [my son] in 6 months is amazing – he’s gained confidence, skills, and new friends. The club was really happy to ask questions and willing to learn. Caoimhin is now more willing to try new things alone and is going to youth club regularly, which he never did before."

Caoimhin Pierce & Lisa - Parents,

Angel Eyes participant

"Through the Include project, we have educated our staff and volunteers, supporting them to encourage visually impaired young people to attend our programmes. We have loved every minute of our time with our Sported volunteer; he has been a lifeline in ensuring that we are able to become a fully inclusive building. Without his help and dedication to our staff, volunteers and youth centre, we would never be in a position where we could assist young people with visual impairments.”

Colleen Ireland, Holy Trinity Youth Centre

Sported member

"The project was a huge learning curve for the group – they were initially unsure what they could learn or adapt within their programmes, but their commitment and 'positive questioning' was great. Each volunteer and staff member learnt a lot by reflecting on their individual roles and programmes. The group have gained a lot of insight and are more confident in adapting their provision."

Tony Barclay

Sported volunteer

Include

Include helped community groups become more accessible for young people who are blind or partially sighted.

Project impact

Sported and Angel Eyes NI together developed and delivered an ‘Understanding Visual Impairment’ training programme and resources for community sport groups across NI. The groups also received Sported volunteer support to help embed the learning into their day-to-day activities.

Thanks to the funders of the project:

Read more about our work.

Include

Include helped community groups become more accessible for young people who are blind or partially sighted.​

Project impact

Sported and Angel Eyes NI together developed and delivered an ‘Understanding Visual Impairment’ training programme and resources for community sport groups across NI. The groups also received Sported volunteer support to help embed the learning into their day-to-day activities.​

Thanks to the funders of the project:

Read more about our work.

Include helped community groups become more accessible for young people who are blind or partially sighted.

Sported and Angel Eyes NI together developed and delivered an ‘Understanding Visual Impairment’ training programme and resources for community sport groups across NI. The groups also received Sported volunteer support to help embed the learning into their day-to-day activities.