How do we go about making sport accessible for people with disabilities? We talk access, equipment, attitudes, and the power of language with Sam De Leve
CLICK PLAY to listen to my conversation with Sam De Leve
Episode 34 Overview
In this episode, we meet dancer, multi-sport athlete and wheelchair user – Sam De Leve.
We explore the power of sport and sporting communities to change how disabled people see themselves, their bodies, and their possibilities in life.
Also why do access, equipment, and language matter? And what makes a good sports coach?
Plus you’ve probably heard people describing their identities as intersectional. We unpack what that means in the context of Sam’s life.
And in the Lightning Round we’re pushing the edges of labels, intersections in identity, visibility, disruption, disability and bodies.
Guest: Sam De Leve
Sam De Leve – Photo supplied
- According to Sam’s twitter profile: “Sam is a policy wonkthusiast, dancer, athlete and wheelchair user with Ehler-Danlos letting my disability define me. Mutant and proud. Nonbinary they/them.”
- Read Sam De Leve’s articles on Medium
Episode Run-down
- Who is Sam and what is they sporting passion?
- What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
- How Sam’s disability impacts on the sports they play and the protection needed
- The drawcard of sport for Sam
- The importance of being around disabled people
- Mistaken perceptions about people with disabilities
- Sam as a disabled and trans non-binary Jew
- What does non-binary mean?
- The power of language around disabilities
- What teachers need to be mindful of – in respect to language
- Defining ourselves through our disability/ies – or not
- A funny tale: The sprint to the door
- Policies that do tangible harm to the lives of people with disabilities – in the arts, sport and recreation
- Access, equipment and dress-codes for people with disabilities and gender diverse people
- Why bathroom or toilet access matters so much for gender diverse people
- Why being disabled in public is a radical act
- What Sam has learnt about themself and they body – through dance and sport
- What do good coaches do?
- The Lightning Round: access, everyday planning, labels, intersections in identity, visibility, disruption, disability, bodies.
Episode-Related Links
- What is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?
- Dear Colleague Letter
- Document and information on the Dear Colleague Letter that clarified existing law to allow for inclusion in student sports at the K-12 and postsecondary level
- Disability Language Style Guide
- Who is Kimberle Crenshaw and what does intersectionality in identities refer to? (TED Talk)
- American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs
- Includes great information on existing US programs and resources for integration and coaching of disabled student-athletes
- USA National Federation of High School Associations
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- Why Playing Sports while Disabled is Always a Radical Act – David Perry
- Features comments by Sam De Leve
- Tactics of Smash 101 – Wheelchair Rugby – Sam De Leve
Physical Education and Sports Resources
- Check out my Social Justice and Sport Resource Page.
- You’ll find inspiring activists, organisations, and articles to help you make change happen in your Phys Ed classes or Sporting club.
- Click the photo to get started.
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