New CASES Disability and Inclusion in Sport Science Special Interest Group

CASES is pleased to announce the new Disability and Inclusion in Sport Science Special Interest Group co-convened by Elena Avraam MCASES, Prof Dan Gordon MCASES, and Dr Sarah Taylor.

The Disability Inclusion Special Interest Group (SIG) is committed to advancing equity, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities across sport, exercise, and physical activity. Our mission is to foster a collaborative community of practitioners, researchers, and educators dedicated to:

• Promoting best practice in inclusive sport and exercise science through evidence-based approaches.
• Advocating for accessibility in research, education, and professional environments.
• Driving innovation in adaptive strategies, technologies, and methodologies that empower participation for all.
• Building awareness and understanding of the diverse needs and experiences of people with disabilities.
• Supporting professional development by providing resources, training, and networking opportunities for members.
• Champion Co-production: To ensure that individuals with lived experience of disability are meaningfully involved in shaping the SIG’s priorities, decision-making processes, and outputs.

Through these efforts, we aim to create a culture where disability inclusion is integral to the advancement of sport and exercise sciences.

The Aims of the Group are:

1. Advance Inclusion: To promote equitable access and participation for individuals with disabilities in sport, exercise, and physical activity.
2. Foster Collaboration: To create a network of professionals, researchers, and educators committed to disability inclusion.
3. Influence Practice and Policy: To advocate for inclusive practices within sport and exercise sciences and inform policy development.
4. Support Professional Development: To provide resources, training, and opportunities for members to enhance their knowledge and skills in inclusive practice.
5. Drive Research and Innovation: To encourage and disseminate research that advances adaptive strategies, technologies, and methodologies.
6. Promote Global Best Practice: To engage with international partners, organisations, and research in order to integrate emerging global standards of disability inclusion within sport and exercise science

The Objectives of the Group are:

• Knowledge Sharing: Organise webinars, workshops, and conference symposia focused on disability inclusion in sport and exercise science.
• Resource Development: Create guidelines, toolkits, and evidence-based resources for inclusive practice.
• Networking: Establish forums and platforms for members to collaborate and share expertise.
• Advocacy: Engage with stakeholders to influence policy and promote accessibility in professional and educational settings.
• Research Support: Facilitate collaborative research projects and provide mentorship for early-career researchers in disability inclusion.
• Awareness Campaigns: Develop initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and accessibility in sport and exercise sciences.
• Continuous Evaluation: Monitor and assess the impact of SIG activities to ensure alignment with its mission and member needs.

Commenting on the new Disability and Inclusion in Sport Science Special Interest Group, co-convenor Elena Avraam MCASES, Prof Dan Gordon MCASES, and Dr Sarah Taylor said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Disability and Inclusion in Sport Science Special Interest Group (SIG) within CASES! This new SIG represents an exciting opportunity to bring together professionals, researchers, and educators who share a commitment to making sport and exercise science accessible and inclusive for all. Whether you are passionate about inclusive practice, interested in adaptive technologies, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to join us. Together, we can create meaningful change and ensure that disability inclusion is at the heart of our profession. We look forward to working with you and building a community that champions inclusion across sport and exercise sciences.”

Please share this exciting update with colleagues. CASES members can opt in to communications from the Disability and Inclusion in Sport Science Special Interest Group via their Member Profile (in the Members' Area) to receive updates and information on how to get more involved. Alternatively, please email jbairstow@cases.org.uk and Jane will add this to your profile.