

AUSTSWIM: Removing Barriers Initiative - Frequently Asked Questions
•What is the AUSTSWIM "Removing Barriers" program?
The "Removing Barriers" program is an initiative by AUSTSWIM, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government - Department of Social Services, designed to increase access to aquatic activities for vulnerable populations, particularly people with disabilities or medical conditions. The program aims to build capacity within the aquatic industry and community to ensure that everyone can benefit from safe, supervised aquatic recreation.
•Why is the "Removing Barriers" program important?
The program is important because while aquatic recreation is often taken for granted, not all Australians have equal opportunities to participate. The program seeks to address this inequity, acknowledging that 1 in 6 Australians live with a disability or medical condition and ensuring they too can experience the therapeutic and recreational benefits of water activities.
•Who is the target audience for the AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course offered under the "Removing Barriers" program?
The AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course is specifically aimed at current AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (TSW) accreditation holders. It is ideal for teachers who want to enhance their skills in teaching and improving water safety for individuals with diverse needs and abilities across the community.
•What are the key objectives of the AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course?
The course aims to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to redesign programs with diversity and inclusion in mind, so they can effectively teach and improve water safety for the whole community. It covers strategies and techniques for adapting teaching methods to accommodate different abilities and needs.
•How can AUSTSWIM teachers participate in the "Removing Barriers" program's training opportunities?
AUSTSWIM teachers can participate by registering for the AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course. Registration is typically done through their Streamline account. AUSTSWIM has run promotional periods for the course offering free places. However, places are limited, and teachers are encouraged to register early. The first run of courses offered free places throughout December in SA, NSW and WA.
•What if the allocations for the "Removing Barriers" program courses are exhausted in my state?
If allocations are exhausted for the current period, interested individuals are encouraged to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form for future courses. AUSTSWIM plans to offer further courses in various states, and completing the EOI ensures that their team will contact you as new opportunities become available.
•What is AUSTSWIM doing beyond offering courses to support inclusion in aquatic activities?
Beyond offering courses, AUSTSWIM also supports swim schools, provides resources and policies, and engages in research to advance water safety and inclusion. They also have other initiatives and workshops that promote awareness of barriers to swimming, such as the RB-MATE Workshop.
•How can I contact AUSTSWIM for more information about the "Removing Barriers" program?
You can contact AUSTSWIM via phone at 1300 885 666 or via post at PO Box 139, Mulgrave, VIC, 3170. You can also find contact information and quick links to resources on their website.
6 episodes
AUSTSWIM: Removing Barriers Initiative - Frequently Asked Questions
•What is the AUSTSWIM "Removing Barriers" program?
The "Removing Barriers" program is an initiative by AUSTSWIM, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government - Department of Social Services, designed to increase access to aquatic activities for vulnerable populations, particularly people with disabilities or medical conditions. The program aims to build capacity within the aquatic industry and community to ensure that everyone can benefit from safe, supervised aquatic recreation.
•Why is the "Removing Barriers" program important?
The program is important because while aquatic recreation is often taken for granted, not all Australians have equal opportunities to participate. The program seeks to address this inequity, acknowledging that 1 in 6 Australians live with a disability or medical condition and ensuring they too can experience the therapeutic and recreational benefits of water activities.
•Who is the target audience for the AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course offered under the "Removing Barriers" program?
The AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course is specifically aimed at current AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (TSW) accreditation holders. It is ideal for teachers who want to enhance their skills in teaching and improving water safety for individuals with diverse needs and abilities across the community.
•What are the key objectives of the AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course?
The course aims to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to redesign programs with diversity and inclusion in mind, so they can effectively teach and improve water safety for the whole community. It covers strategies and techniques for adapting teaching methods to accommodate different abilities and needs.
•How can AUSTSWIM teachers participate in the "Removing Barriers" program's training opportunities?
AUSTSWIM teachers can participate by registering for the AUSTSWIM Access and Inclusion course. Registration is typically done through their Streamline account. AUSTSWIM has run promotional periods for the course offering free places. However, places are limited, and teachers are encouraged to register early. The first run of courses offered free places throughout December in SA, NSW and WA.
•What if the allocations for the "Removing Barriers" program courses are exhausted in my state?
If allocations are exhausted for the current period, interested individuals are encouraged to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form for future courses. AUSTSWIM plans to offer further courses in various states, and completing the EOI ensures that their team will contact you as new opportunities become available.
•What is AUSTSWIM doing beyond offering courses to support inclusion in aquatic activities?
Beyond offering courses, AUSTSWIM also supports swim schools, provides resources and policies, and engages in research to advance water safety and inclusion. They also have other initiatives and workshops that promote awareness of barriers to swimming, such as the RB-MATE Workshop.
•How can I contact AUSTSWIM for more information about the "Removing Barriers" program?
You can contact AUSTSWIM via phone at 1300 885 666 or via post at PO Box 139, Mulgrave, VIC, 3170. You can also find contact information and quick links to resources on their website.
6 episodes
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