This policy represents a commitment to include as many participants as possible with specific needs and disabilities in all roles in the worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013

worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013 has adopted an emphasis on ability not disability. Our main focus is therefore on accessibility issues to allow for ability to participate no matter your disability. This attitude will not only have a positive impact on the Outgames but also leave a legacy of understanding and awareness for people with specific needs and disabilities in Antwerpen and Belgium well after the games are over.

Purpose of the policy

The purpose of this policy is to serve as a guide for worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013 to ensure that people with specific needs and disabilities are included in all areas of the preparation and staging of sporting and cultural events and the conference. Participants with disabilities will be included wherever possible in events and activities. Due to the complex and varied requirements of people with disabilities, experts from appropriate representative organisations will be consulted on all areas of implementation of this policy. This policy also puts in place strategies to build awareness and understanding within the community and to raise awareness about individuals with specific needs and disabilities during the preparation and staging of worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013 The main focus will be to encourage people to think and act inclusively. Education and training play an important part in these consciousness-raising activities.

Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to:
ensure safe and fair events for all participants including those with specific needs and disabilities;
ensure that all venues are accessible; ensure that worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013 participant information kits include clear and easy to understand information about key contacts (including emergency contacts) that comply with the needs of all participants with specific needs and disabilities;
analyse specific need requests made by participants; run workshops and information sessions on specific needs and disability issues for worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013 staff, volunteers and partners;
where possible, include people with specific needs and disabilities on planning committees regarding issues such as access to accommodation, transportation, communication, medical and social needs and communicate those needs to worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013 organisers and participants;
ensure appropriate assessment procedures, such as classification systems, are in place so that the extent to which an individual is able to be involved can be determined. Issues of safety and fairness for participants must be considered;
research health care needs of participants with disabilities and seek appropriate medical advice for those requiring specialist assistance;
provide information on prevention and treatments of HIV/AIDS and make specific arrangements for those who have lost/misplaced medications;
assess support services required for each category of specific need and disability;
ensure the development of volunteer networks and make sure appropriate training is provided.

Specific needs & disabilities defined

worldOutgames Antwerpen 2013 define participants with specific needs & disabilities as having one or more of the following conditions:
Physical disability
Hearing and/or vision impairment
Intellectual disability
Allergies
HIV/AIDS

People with specific needs may require special assistance and/or support to be able to fully participate. It should be noted that some individuals who fall into the specific needs and/or disability categories listed above may not need any particular assistance and/or support. Participants may choose whether or not to disclose their specific need or disability.