Partnerships Driving Inclusion
Baseball Queensland is collaborating with Autism Queensland and Sport4All, with support from the Queensland Government’s Active Industry Project Fund, to improve access to baseball for people with disabilities.
Through our partnership with Autism Queensland, we are working on creating resources to help coaches and clubs better support all participants in our sport. These tools will aim to make baseball more accessible and enjoyable for all players.
Sport4All is also playing a key role in developing programs to help clubs and volunteers break down barriers to participation. Earlier this year, Baseball Queensland hosted its first Sport4All webinar, offering clubs practical steps for promoting inclusivity. The webinar focused on adapting activities and making facilities more accessible. Watch the WEBINAR HERE.
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Beyond educational programs, Sport4All provides valuable resources, including club assessments, action plans, and guides for volunteers. These resources are designed to help clubs create welcoming environments and prioritise accessibility for all participants.
The Role of the EDI Advisory Panel
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Advisory Panel (EDIAP) plays a key role in guiding Baseball Queensland’s inclusion strategy. This panel of experts helps shape initiatives aimed at improving accessibility, removing barriers, and creating an inclusive atmosphere for everyone involved in baseball.
Andrea Marshall, Director of Projects, Diversity and Inclusion says:
“There should be a place for everyone within our sport. Inclusive approaches to the delivery of baseball will not only strengthen our sport but the broader Queensland community. “
How Clubs and Volunteers Can Make a Difference
Clubs and volunteers are essential to promoting inclusivity in baseball. By engaging volunteers and providing clear roles and training, clubs can ensure everyone is equipped to support inclusivity. Creating welcoming environments is crucial, including greeting new participants and offering tours to help them feel comfortable.
Clubs should also adapt activities, like modifying drills and games to suit varying abilities, and seek feedback from participants and families to remain responsive to their needs. Leveraging resources from Autism Queensland and Sport4All can further guide inclusivity efforts. Recognising the contributions of volunteers and club members who actively promote inclusivity ensures their efforts are celebrated.
Clubs can develop volunteer roles that cater to different abilities by assigning tasks that align with individual strengths, such as team management, coaching, or scoring. Encouraging existing volunteers to mentor others with disabilities provides support and guidance, ensuring all participants feel valued and included. This approach fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing support from the Queensland Government, Autism Queensland, and Sport4All, Baseball Queensland is planning new inclusive programs for 2025. These initiatives will offer more opportunities for people of all abilities to engage with the sport.
On this International Day of People with Disability, we celebrate the clubs, volunteers, and partners who are working to make baseball more inclusive. Together, we are building a sport that welcomes everyone.
