Move United launched the Inclusive Playbook designed to educate youth on disability awareness and adaptive sports and bridge the gap between youth with and without disabilities through conversations, dialogue, and activities. The Inclusive Playbook is designed for children in grades three through six, and includes an Inclusive Playmat to engage children in kindergarten through second grade.
In addition to instructional support for educators, students will also be able to experience the power of adaptive sport through virtual reality videos and goggles. The materials were reviewed by over 50 adaptive sports professionals and educators across the United States and beta tested with children across various age groups.
“We see an opportunity, using the commonly understood aspects of recreation and sport, to raise the understanding of what inclusivity means and to change the narrative around disability,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “The Inclusive Playbook is uniquely designed to engage kids to consider a different and more inclusive world, and that is why it and all corresponding materials are entirely free for teachers, students, parents, and school communities.”
Move United also announced a call to action for organizations to become Inclusion Champions—groups across the youth, sports, and education landscapes who support the educational tool and champion the values of inclusion, equity, diversity, and access across all communities.
Organizations that have already signed on include USA Archery, USTA, Girls on the Run, National Council of Youth Sports, TrueSport, National Alliance for Youth Sports, the National Youth Sports Strategy Champion, USA Cheer, US Para Powerlifting, Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors, USA Boxing and USA Football.
The official launch of the Inclusive Playbook will take place at the 2021 Move United Education Conference, being held virtually May 10-14.