11. SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES The Steering Committee established an Accessibility Sub-Committee to provide recommendations and direction to the World Masters Games Organization with respect to meeting the accessibility and service needs of all competitors, volunteers and spectators with disabilities. For the Games’ purposes, a person with a disability was considered to be someone who is developmentally delayed or has either a sensory impairment or a physical, mental or emotional disability. The Accessibility Sub-Committee had representatives on each of the major sub-committees to assist in: • •
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Developing a sport plan for all competitors with disabilities Developing a companion/assistant policy (and programming) for competitors with disabilities Establishing and promoting proper disability etiquette and protocol for all 2005 World Masters Games events Developing a program to ensure that all accessibility requirements were met within all venues specific to sports competition, medal ceremonies social events and cultural festivities for competitors with disabilities Ensuring all accessibility requirements were met for all volunteers and spectators with disabilities Preparing the emergency response plan Ensuring accessibility at all cultural events and festivities
Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games — Final Report
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Ensuring all communications were available in alternate formats, both in English and French languages Developing and implementing a volunteer program including: recruitment, training and development of policies for volunteers with disabilities and volunteers working with competitors with disabilities Developing a transportation plan for competitors with disabilities Making suitable arrangements for all competitors requiring accessible accommodation. Ensuring full accessibility to the Games Centre
The Games strove to be as inclusive as possible for all competitors regardless of ability. Competitors with a disability were welcomed to enter sports and events that complemented their ability level. Some sports included specific medal events for competitors with a disability: • • • • • • • •
Athletics (Track and Field and Road) Rowing Shooting — Pistol Shooting — Small Bore Swimming (Pool and Open Water) Table Tennis Tennis Triathlon
Other sports did not have separate events, but team rosters could include a competitor with a disability. In total, there were 22 registrations from athletes with a disability.