Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
11:30am - 12:45pm
Room 613T
Concurrent Session:
Get in the Game: Using SRV to Create Authentic Sports Experiences
Get in the Game: Using SRV to Create Authentic Sports Experiences
The benefits of organized sports and recreation have been well documented, with sporting roles assisting people to attain many of the good things of life. More often than not though, people with developmental disabilities are left on the sidelines when it comes to sports. When they are “included,” it is often only as a form of tokenism, where they are trotted out onto the playing surface for their “special” moment. This presentation will dive into the mindsets and biases that often prevent people from taking on roles as athletes or teammates. Together, participants will challenge their own ideas, and explore practical strategies that can be used to make it more likely that people will have authentic sports experiences. By considering what sports typically look like, participants will be encouraged to imagine how people could contribute to teams and build lasting relationships. Hear about lessons learned along the way, while supporting kids, teenagers, and adults to participate in sports and recreation within their communities.
Presenter
Doug Utting
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Doug Utting provided direct support to people with developmental disabilities and their families for many years. He is dedicated to inclusive recreation, education, and employment, having seen firsthand the power that valued social roles have in supporting people to become integral members of their communities. Being an athlete himself, Doug has taken a particular interest in how sports-related roles can assist people with developmental disabilities to develop relationships and build competencies. Doug’s direct support experience, combined with his master’s degree in education from Queen’s University, have led to his current role as a Professor in the Developmental Services Worker program at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario. He is currently in his sixth year teaching full-time at the college and has also taken on teaching roles at SRV workshops. Doug currently serves as the President of a non-profit, charitable organization that supports people with intellectual disabilities to access affordable housing in their communities; Community Involvement Legacy Homes.​