Publication of the White Paper Sailing & Disability
The Regional Sailing League of the Southern Region has officially published a document called White Book Sailing & Disability. This booklet, published in 500 copies and available online, contains 84 pages of information for facilities hosting people with disabilities and sailing clubs to facilitate the reception of these specific audiences and their inclusion in the sailing community. It includes the list of 64 disabled clubs in the region, as well as key points on the advantages of sailing, testimonials and advice for clubs wishing to organize themselves to welcome these groups.
To make sailing known in the structures of assistance to the handicapped
"The white paper is the result of an observation that we made about the lack of an easy and simple relationship between the structures that welcome people with disabilities in the Southern Region - 45,000 adults and 18,000 children and young people, including a thousand in ULIS classes - and the sailing clubs. They are not aware of the structures that could welcome them. Half of the clubs can. And they have a preconceived notion of the safety of sailing, which is seen as a risky sport for the disabled," explains Claude Le Bacquer, president of the Ligue Sud de Voile.
Reassure the clubs about the practice of handivoile
Prejudices are present on both sides. Sailing clubs also need to be reassured about their ability to welcome disabled people. "There is a lack of knowledge of the regulations. In the minds of many, disability means wheelchair. Only 8% of disabled sport participants are in wheelchairs. The other families of handicap are little solicited. Deaf and hard of hearing, blind, mentally handicapped people can easily navigate on normal boats with few adjustments. Finally, it is necessary to reinforce the skills of the instructors and coaches with additional training, not on the practice, but rather on the specific communication with these publics. The League proposes 3-week modules locally and for more specific subjects, we rely on competent associations" explains the League leader.
Increase the number of disabled sailing members
In the Southern Region, there are currently 300 disabled members, including 30 enthusiastic sailors. Between 3,000 and 5,000 target disabled athletes have been identified. "Reaching 1,000 regular practitioners is an accessible ambition and even beyond. For information, there are more than 2,000 deaf-mutes under the age of 25 in the region. On the other hand, the notion of a club is essential for them, in terms of equipment and inclusion," says Claude Le Bacquer.
The Southern League intends to spread its experience. Other large coastal regions have expressed interest and this white paper could have a following.
