Move United, the organization of community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, will host its annual Education Conference May 9–11, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The conference theme will be “Challenging Ableism Through Sport: Awareness, Access, & Action,” and will aim to provide tools and training to address stigma and stereotypes specific to disability in sport, and create action and measurable impacts around inclusion, access and belonging.
Attendees will include athletes, sport professionals and sport providers focusing on relevant education, awareness and skills to lead the narrative that sport has the power to instill change. At past events, attendees have included Move United member organizations, general sport organizations, city parks and recreation departments, non-governing bodies, VA hospital staff, general hospital therapists, disability resource groups and more.
“Sport is a powerful tool for change,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “Again and again through history, sport has led societal movements for inclusion and equity. This year’s theme reflects Move United’s vision to challenge what’s possible for athletes and America. After being virtual for two years, we are pleased to return to in-person in Colorado Springs, where so many sports organizations and the Paralympic movement are rooted.”
Highlights include an Opening Reception at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, five pre-conference workshops, over 30 sessions supported by over 55 speakers, and a roundtable discussion around solving barriers to sport access. Other topics will address accessibility systems, adaptive equipment and technology, inclusive organizational infrastructure and social constructs to challenge ableistic culture.
For more information about the conference or to register to attend, click here.