Ensuring swimming is fully inclusive
Swimming is an inclusive sport and this means that ensuring that both non-disabled and disabled swimmers have access to the same chances to participate.
Whatever people's ability, every club, pool operator and swimming teacher wants to provide the best opportunities for swimmers.
Also, the Equalities Act 2010 makes it a legal requirement for clubs and leisure facilities to make reasonable adjustments to include disabled swimmers.
So to help make inclusion easier for you on this page you'll find a range of documents and resources on this topic.
If you don't find what you need there are contact details at the base of the page.
Helpful guidance leaflets
- Pool operators: Encouraging disabled participation in swimming
- Clubs: Encourage new disability swimmers today
- Teachers: Extending your expertise in disability swimming
Talent ID toolkit
British Disability Swimming provides a Disability Swimmer ID Toolkit to help identify potential of swimmers with a disability and their ability level in order to signpost them to the best opportunities for their development. Developed by disability swimming officers from the Home Nations, this simple and straightforward resource can be used by schools, swimming teachers, coaches, parents and swimming co-ordinators. The aim of the Toolkit is not to simply find the most talented swimmers but to identify swimmers at all levels and give them the opportunity to access the disability swimming pathway and progress.
Deaf Specific Guidelines
The Deaf Friendly Swimming document is provided by The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) in partnership with the ASA.The guide shows swimming coaches, teachers and parents how, through making simple steps, deaf children can be taught to swim. Swimming centres and clubs will receive training, support and resources to help include deaf children in swimming sessions. The NDCS website has additional resources including British Sign Language swimming signs film clips.
Further details and contact
- For further information on inclusion please read the ASA’s Inclusion of Swimmers with a Disability here.
- If you are in England and require further guidance please contact your regional ASA office.
- Visit the relevant Scottish and Welsh websites for country specific guidance and more information
