We hear the word inclusion quite a lot.

It appears in policies, advertising campaigns and carefully worded statements. It sounds positive, as it should, but real inclusion is not simply saying that everyone is welcome, it means making sure people can actually take part.
That might involve an accessible building, a quieter environment, adapted equipment, clearer information or staff who understand additional support needs. Very often it means having another person there to provide practical, one-to-one support. In practise, inclusion requires more than saying “everyone is welcome”, and it becomes effective when it moves from a good intention to something that actually facilitates in a practical way.

Finding Inclusive Activities Should Be Easier

For many families, finding a suitable activity can take a lot of work.
A class may describe itself as inclusive without explaining what support is available. A club might be wonderfully welcoming and with supports in place, but the people who need it may never hear about it. Information can be scattered across websites, social media pages, community groups and word of mouth.

The Do Stuff! Inclusion Hub is being developed to make that search easier, and to provide choice.
It brings together information about intellectual disability and autism supports, inclusive activities, social groups, clubs, summer camps, education, advocacy, employment resources and community services across Ireland.

Every child and adult is different and families need clear, practical information so that they can decide whether an activity, place or service could be right for them.

Sometimes the Missing Ingredient Is a Volunteer

There are brilliant organisations, clubs and community groups doing inclusive work throughout Ireland which depend on volunteers to help make their activities possible. Volunteering can be in an area you are already interested in such as sports, music, crafts, supporting a social event, accompanying someone on an outing, being a companion or buddy, or simply providing an extra pair of hands. 
It does not always require specialist qualifications. A willingness to listen, learn and treat people with respect can be an excellent place to begin and the organisation will support you in the role and assist with training or safeguarding requirements.

For the person taking part, your support is the difference between watching an activity from the sidelines and being able to take part.

Volunteering Is A Shared Experience

Perceiving volunteering as “giving something back”, is only half the story. Volunteers gain a great deal, and people learn from eachother. The best volunteering experiences amount to more than one person giving and another receiving, they become something people enjoy together. 

As you read this, you might begin to think about becoming a volunteer but aren’t sure where to start and you’d like to learn more about it. Browse the organisations and local groups included in the Inclusion Hub page. Look at what is happening in your county and visit the organisation’s own website through their link to learn more about its work. There are opportunities with a varying level of commitment needed, you don’t have to promise every Saturday for the next ten years. There may be once-off events, seasonal activities or flexible roles that suit the time you have available. There are opportunities nearby and there’s craic to be had!

Where are these wonderful, inclusive activities?

Inclusive activities and disability supports do exist across Ireland, but many are still  difficult to find and are known only within a small circle of families.
A local library with a suitable programme, a sports partnership offering adapted activities, a small volunteer-led club who organise regular social events, a sensory-friendly class, an inclusive summer camp or a café that has taken the time to understand its customers’ needs. But where?

The Do Stuff! Inclusion Hub is bringing that information into one accessible place, listing local opportunities, national disability organisations and support services. It is a continuous, ongoing project, and there are still many gaps to fill.

Help Us Fill The Gaps!

You might know about an inclusive activity that fits. It could be a sports club, community group, Saturday club, summer camp, arts programme, leisure facility, library service, visitor attraction, accessible playground, café or event venue.
Perhaps you attend it yourself or maybe your child loves it. You might work or volunteer there, or you might recognise that the people involved make a genuine effort to include children or adults with an intellectual disability or autism.

The Do Stuff! Inclusion Hub page aims to help open a door, a whole new world, and an equal opportunity to take part.
Use the suggestion form on the Do Stuff! Inclusion Hub Page. The name, location, and a few details about the inclusive place can give us what we need to begin.