CONFERENCE TO CALL FOR INCREASED PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Institute of Technology, Tralee to host Adapted Physical Activity (APA) Conference

The 3rd National Conference on Adapted Physical Activity (APA) is being hosted by the Institute of Technology, Tralee (ITT) on the 17th and 18th of November in the Malton hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry. John O'Donoghue will to officially open the conference on Monday morning.  

The two day conference, which is being held in conjunction with the CARA National Adapted Physical Activity Centre and the Irish Sports Council, will explore national and international developments in increasing participation levels of people with disabilities in physical activity. Some of the most world renowned names in Adapted Physical Activity will be speaking at the conference.

IT, Tralee has been identified as the leading third level college in Adapted Physical Activity (APA) education in Ireland and is currently expanding its health and leisure degree to include an option to specialise in APA after second year.

The most notable international speakers will include Dr. Martin Block and Dr. Lauren Lieberman from the USA . Both have authored a number of books in the area and have a wealth of experience of successful inclusive programmes. Peter Downs from the Australian Sports Commission will also talk about the successful “Connect” project in Australia and how we can learn from their experiences of making sports organisations inclusive.

Speakers from the Institute of Technology , Tralee include:

    • Ms. Aoife Ni Mhuiri who will provide a workshop on ‘Halliwick Swim Therapy Concept’

    • Dr. Alan Ringland will discuss ‘Psychological Preparation of elite athletes’

    • Mr. Pat Flanagan will lead a discussion on ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’

Michael Carmody, IT, Tralee President, commented: “The Institute is delighted to be hosting such a significant event. The study of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) helps to break down barriers to social inclusion which many people with disabilities face and allows them to move towards increased community involvement through healthy and independent lifestyles.

“IT, Tralee is leading the way in APA education in Ireland and this is reflected in our course offerings.”

The audience for the conference is likely to comprise of a diverse group including people with disabilities, families and carers, as well as professionals, volunteers and students in the areas of disability services, sport, recreation, or leisure services, physical or special needs education, and the health services.

The presentations will info rm people working in the area of APA what supports and training are available to assist their own ongoing professional development as well as give them additional knowledge in specific areas of interest. Reflection on the experiences in Ireland and aboard will also allow for discussion which will help shape future provision in APA in Ireland .

As well as presentations there will be a number of practical workshops to allow delegates to experience different methodologies of delivering a variety of activities in different settings. E.g. Disability and the outdoors.