Dear Fremantle Surf Life Saving Members,

We’re excited to invite you to an interactive and engaging Disability Inclusion Workshop designed specifically for Fremantle Surf Life Saving youth members (ages 14–19). This session will help you develop the knowledge and skills to support people with disability in beach and surf lifesaving activities while building a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

What to Expect

This will be an interactive, discussion-based workshop where you’ll learn about:

1. Understanding Disability & Inclusion

• The social model of disability – shifting the focus from the person’s disability to the barriers in the environment.
• The difference between the medical model and social model of disability.
• Real-life examples of accessibility challenges on the beach.

1. Invisible Disabilities – What You Can’t See

• Understanding disabilities like autism, hearing impairments, chronic pain, and anxiety.
• How to recognise and support individuals with invisible disabilities.
• The impact of sensory sensitivities in a beach environment.

1. Inclusive Language & Communication

• How the words we use shape attitudes towards disability.
• Practical examples of respectful and inclusive language in surf lifesaving.

1. Identifying & Removing Barriers at the Beach

• Discussion: What are the biggest challenges people with disability face in accessing and enjoying the beach?
• Group brainstorming session to come up with practical solutions to improve accessibility at Fremantle SLSC.

1. Case Study Activities

• You’ll work in small groups to problem-solve real-life scenarios, such as:

• • Supporting a child with autism who is sensitive to loud noise and crowds.
  • Communicating safety instructions to a beachgoer with hearing loss.
  • Assisting a person with reduced mobility to enter the water safely.

1. Creating an Inclusive Surf Club – Your Role

• Brainstorm practical steps Fremantle SLSC can take to be more inclusive.
• Personal commitment pledge: one action you’ll take to make our beach more accessible.

Why Attend?

By joining this workshop, you will:

• Gain valuable skills in inclusive communication and disability awareness.
• Learn practical strategies to support people with disability in surf lifesaving activities.
• Help make Fremantle’s beaches more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
• Build your confidence in adapting activities and providing assistance where needed.

This will be an engaging session with group discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world case studies to ensure you leave with practical knowledge you can apply in your role at the surf club.