Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of human brains, all of us are unique in how we think, learn and act.
If someone is Neurodivergent, they are described as someone who’s brain works differently to what is considered more typical in society. Neurodivergent people experience and react to the world differently to ‘neurotypical’ people, meaning they have different strengths and struggles to consider.
It is estimated that 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent and so being aware of different neurodivergences means that you can offer tailored support for individuals to thrive.
There are a range of different types of neurodivergence, including:
It is common for someone to have more than one type of neurodivergence, this is known as ‘co-occurring conditions. Having co-occurring conditions creates unique experiences and challenges that are different from having just one condition.
To support Members, coaches, parents and volunteers, The Pony Club have created a series of Neurodiversity fact sheets that cover a range of neurodiversity.
There are a huge range of resources available to support understanding around Neurodiversity, below is a selection of links to helpful supporting resources.
Creating rallies, training sessions and competitions that are welcoming and accessible to everyone in The Pony Club community helps foster a supportive, judgement-free environment. When parents, guardians, coaches, volunteers, officials, and members with access needs are fully included, the whole community benefits — and recognising potential barriers is the first step toward removing them.
The Pony Club has created a Facilitating Physical Access resource to support event organisers plan accessible events.
There are a huge range of resources available to support understanding around accessibility in sport, below is a selection of links to helpful supporting resources.
A Reasonable Adjustment is an alteration to or consideration of an activity that may help to reduce the effect of a physical, or mental health condition, that places the person in question at a disadvantage compared to others. When applied to assessments or competitions, adjustments can only be made to the process or method; adjustments cannot be made to the criteria against which participants will be assessed. Competence must still be demonstrated.
A Reasonable Adjustment can be requested on the grounds of an impairment (physical or mental) that could be temporary or long term. Reasonable Adjustments may also be made in the case of members who wear religious clothing or for whom English is not their first language.
The Pony Club offers online Reasonable Adjustment Training to support and educate volunteers and coaches across the Pony Club network with how to support members who require alterations or considerations of an activity that may help to reduce the effect of a physical, or mental health condition, that places the person in question at a disadvantage compared to others.
Dates for up-coming Reasonable Adjustment Training can be found below, along with a link to the Reasonable Adjustment Policy and resources.