It is important to ensure you sport’s facilities are accessible to everyone by using Universal Design principles to guide the design of new facilities or upgrades to existing facilities. This is common practice that is supported by both Local Government Authorities and the State Government. Through the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, Sport and Recreation Victoria provides funding to Local Government Authorities and sports clubs to develop and design facilities, and every project must incorporate Universal Design principles.
While all 7 principles are designed to make facilities accessible to everyone, there are a few principles that specifically assist in creating accessible environments for people from non-English speaking backgrounds:
- Simple & Intuitive. The use of a design or program should be easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration levels.
- Flexibility in Use. The design of facilities and programs should accommodate a wide range individual preferences or abilities.
- Perceptible Information. The design or program communicates the necessary information effectively to the participant, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
For more information about Universal Design principles, click here to view an infographic developed by Vicsport and the State Government of Victoria.
Remember, Universal Design means designing for everyone!
Sport and Recreation Victoria has some useful resources to assist your organisation, including their Design For Everyone Guide, and their guide for accessible signage and wayfinding.
Funding for facility design and improvements can be accessed through National or State Sporting Associations, local councils and the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.