Inclusive Practices

Inclusive Practices Officer Denise McMILLAN

Striving for Personal Achievement from Grass Root Inclusion Programs to National Events…

Kardinya BowlAbility program running strong after nine years

In 2011 Kardinya agreed to host an annual BowlAbility program – most importantly, the program was approved with the knowledge that non-standardized artificial devices would be accessing the greens – wheelchairs and walkers that do not meet national standards such as tyre width and type – meaning that the program was truly inclusive to players who cannot afford equipment of such a standard.

Another factor of this program’s success is affordability, with disability participants only charged a $5 green fee - that gives them bowls for up to 2 hours, access to the greens, and appropriate coaching – and support workers do not pay to attend with their clients in support of the Companion Card program.

All support workers are taught to bowl with their clients, bringing more enjoyment and highlighting our sport to a larger community base.

These two highlights of the program have ensured that it is still running nine years later – a very rare length of time for any disability specific sport program. (On a side note - after eight years of hosting the program Kardinya’s A Green was replaced – and NO damage was found to the surface beneath the green!)

Foldable ramps of 1.5 and 2 metres are available to transport players on and off the greens, these are easily stored in the bowls shed, and a talented prior member crafted two ‘bowls chutes’ for players with a higher neurological disability to continue participation in the sport.

The 2021 BowlAbility program begins on Friday 5 February and operates on a school term schedule: Term 1: Friday 5 February – Friday 26 March (2 April is Good Friday). Term 2: Friday 23 April – Friday 2 July. Term 3: Friday 23 July – Friday 24 September. Term 4: Friday 15 October – Friday 10 December (End of Year BBQ).

Upcoming 2021 Inclusion Events

1. Women’s Inter Region Round Robin, April 17 & 18,

Willetton Bowling Club 2. State All Abilities Championships, April 17 & 18, Kardinya

Bowling Club 3. State Bowling Arm Championships, May 3 & 4, Warnbro

Bowling Club 4. National Bowling Arm Sides Championships, September 6 -10, Warnbro Bowling Club.

• BowlAbility is a winner!

• Faye – a BowlAbility fan! • Ben Chivers.

For information on Inclusive Practices please contact Denise McMillan on 0449 619 841 or denise@bowlswa.com.au