AKG’s Post

As we celebrate the beauty of sports, let's also celebrate the profound impact of inclusion in creating diverse and welcoming environments. Inclusive sports environments offer more than just physical activity; they foster social skills, communication, and teamwork while instilling values of empathy, respect, and understanding among players, coaches, and spectators alike. Today, let's spotlight the importance of inclusion in sports for individuals with autism. Autism doesn't limit passion or talent; it's a unique trait that adds diversity and richness to our sporting communities. By fostering inclusive spaces, we create opportunities for individuals with autism to showcase their skills, build confidence, and form lasting connections. Let's embrace diverse abilities, encourage acceptance, and ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive in the sports they love. Together, we can break barriers, champion inclusivity, and create a world where every individual, regardless of their differences, feels welcomed and valued in the realm of sports. 🌟 #InclusiveSports #AutismInclusion #DiversityInSports #UnityInSports #SportsForAll #EmbraceDifferences

Thanks Global Toy News for shining a light on the Toy Industry and potential for (and lack of!!) neurodiverse talent in our industry! We have A LOT of work to do to create jobs, representation, equity, inclusion and products for people with visible and invisible, physical and mental disabilities. Three cheers for Empowering #WorkforceDevelopment events like last month’s Autism In Entertainment conference where GennComm, LLC, Disney, Paramount and others connected with bright neurodiverse talent to attract them to the entertainment-driven industry and GennComm, LLC was there talking about the toy and licensing industries. I met TONS of people and actually hired a bright talented designer and writer there, who heard me speaking about the Toy Industry on Marlene Sharp’s Gaming Panel - thank you again Marlene for creating space to talk about working in toys and the #GeniusofPlay! Emmet N., you’re amazing - Welcome to GennComm! Sometimes I feel like a lone toy soldier and the little engine that could, but know that together we can create real change! Please reach out to join me and be part of the Disability Framework I’m compiling with mission-aligned partners. 85%+ underemployment in the disabled community. 1 in 4 Americans has a disability. TONS of jobs in the toy industry they are perfect for! I can not think of ONE person with a visible physical disability who works in Toys and Licensing - Can you!? Diverse Executive Teams outperform 4 to 1. Let’s evolve people! Thank you Marlene Sharp (마를린) ♥️ #WeInspireTogether #DisabilityInclusion #Equity #SIS #SocialImpact #Equity

I was thrilled to participate in the recent Variety Abilities Unleashed Kids event in West Torrens, an initiative by Disability Sports Australia that fosters inclusion and provides active opportunities for children with disabilities. I was honored to join through an invitation from Baptcare, contributing to the event by promoting chess for the blind. Utilizing an adaptive chess board, we demonstrated how this intellectually stimulating game is accessible to everyone, showcasing the power of adaptive sports. The event showcased various activities, from cricket, footy, and badminton to engaging recreational activities like dancing, each designed to ensure inclusivity and active participation for all children. It was a day of fun and engagement and a stepping stone towards ongoing reflection and learning. Post-event, engaging in discussions, gathering feedback, and reflecting on the experiences is crucial to ensure that the momentum of inclusion and active participation is not just for a day but is integrated into our daily lives and activities. It was inspiring to see students from mainstream colleges and special schools unite, breaking down barriers and building connections through shared activities. One of my personal highlights was promoting chess and engaging in other sports, like kicking a Footy with the students, experiencing the joy and unity that these activities create. These experiences reinforce my commitment to supporting and participating in initiatives that promote inclusion for persons with disabilities. I am eager to continue collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to making sports and recreation accessible to all. Inclusion in sports isn't just about playing the game; it's about building a community where everyone belongs and can succeed. Let's keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible and create more opportunities for inclusion and engagement in every aspect of life. #InclusiveSports #DisabilitySports #AdaptiveSports #DisabilityAwareness #InclusiveEvents #Chess

Being a sports fan brings a sense of togetherness and belonging, and every fan deserves to feel welcome and valued. For young fans who have disabilities, inclusivity is essential for making them feel like they’re part of the team. 🔴 Equal Access: Everyone deserves the chance to be involved on game day. Accessible events and content mean that young fans with disabilities can join in the fun the same as everyone else 🔵 Representation Matters: Seeing characters, players, and mascots with disabilities in media can inspire and empower young fans – meaning they can see themselves reflected in the games they love 🟡 Community Strength: An inclusive fandom is a stronger fandom. Embracing diverse perspectives strengthens our community and creates a sense of belonging for all. However, they still face challenges: 🚫 Physical barriers at events 🚫 Inaccessible digital content 🚫 Social stigma and lack of awareness But we can make a difference! Here’s how: ✅ Ensure events are accessible. ✅ Create and support inclusive content. ✅ Invest in education to promote awareness and understanding #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityInclusion #YouthFandom

Special Olympics is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) - but what is ID? Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability. Approximately 6.5 million people in the United States have an intellectual disability. Approximately 1-3 percent of the global population has an intellectual disability—as many as 200 million people. Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including conceptual, social and practical skills, such as language, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a person to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typically developing person. Intellectual disability can happen any time before a person turns 22 years old, even before birth. At the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, our mission is to create an inclusive event celebrates ABILITY on and off the field - will you join us? For more information on ID, check out this page ➡️ https://bit.ly/4dxly00 #2026USAGames #CallingAllChampions #InclusionRevolution

Fantastic morning spent with the Challengers Team who are on a mission to start more conversations in more organisations to grow #DisabilityAwareness and bring understanding, #Accessibility and flexibility to both working with disabilities and living with disabilities 💥 Some amazing stories of how this has already brought about significant changes within some organisations just by starting the conversation and asking more open and supportive questions, with one company kick-starting a Parents Group as a result of this 🎤 Challengers provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people 2-18 in the South East to play, have fun and make friends, as well as giving family members critical respite 🧡 As Ash Morgan from Challengers put it so powerfully, “Can you imagine a world without play? This is a real possibility for disabled children and young people.” 🛝 If you would like to start more conversations around #DisabilityAwareness and the role your organisation can play in bringing about positive change, please do get in touch with the fabulous Challengers Team or Nick Adams (he/him) ☎️ Image Description: Ash Morgan is in her bright orange branded Challengers hoodie in full flow and full animation, next to her giant projected Challengers intro slide #JEDI #EDI #DEI #EquityDiversityInclusion #Inclusion #Equity #Diversity

Sports are a universal language of human potential. But what about those facing physical limitations? The world of adaptive sports is exploding with advancements, from next-gen prosthetics to assistive technologies. These breakthroughs are rewriting the rules of disability, giving athletes the power to compete and excel! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gB6JG3EN #sportsindustry #adaptivesports #disabilityinclusion #disabledathletes #sportstechnology #sportsinnovations #disabilitysports #abilitynotdisability

Very excited to share that Darragh and I have recently launched the our blog section on the EPIC Global | gaming and esports agency website! ✨ My first article is now live, delving into gaming for good and navigating neurodiversity, especially fitting for April's Autism Awareness Month. Did you know that 18% of people in the gaming industry reported having at least one neurodevelopmental condition, and the rates of employment for autistic people in games are almost four times higher than any other employment sector? Let’s ensure that neurodiversity in gaming is celebrated, this month and every month! Dive into the full article here to learn more and join the discussion. #AutismAwarenessMonth

Exploring the Rich History of Adaptive Sports  Adaptive sports have a rich history of empowering individuals and promoting inclusivity. From their inception as rehabilitation methods to their current status as global competitions, adaptive sports have grown tremendously. Our latest infographic showcases the milestones that have shaped this transformative field. See how these sports have developed and what it means for inclusivity and empowerment in the athletic community. #AdaptiveSports #Inclusion #ProfessionalGrowth #SportsHistory"