Football Victoria (FV) is proud to be the first partner in Victoria for Aspects's Autism Friendly program, which aims to provide greater opportunities individuals with autism to engage in community life, with a particular focus on arts, culture, sport and recreation.
As part of this partnership, FV will work closely with Aspect to develop resources for clubs, enhance training opportunities, and create autism-friendly programs aimed at increasing participation and fostering inclusivity within the football community.
Aspect's Autism Friendly program focuses on making small but impactful adjustments to create a more inclusive environment for people on the autism spectrum. By raising awareness of the different ways people experience the world, the program helps communities become more understanding and accepting of these differences, ultimately fostering inclusivity for all.
FV's Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Selin Arpaci, shared her thoughts on the partnership.
“By working with Aspect and rolling out autism-friendly initiatives, we are taking an important step in creating a more inclusive sporting culture that supports and empowers Autistic individuals. This partnership will help ensure that no one is left behind and that football is a space where everyone feels welcome.”
This partnership is an essential part of FV's ongoing commitment to supporting clubs in becoming more inclusive, particularly for people on the people on the autism spectrum. Autistic individuals often face unique barriers when accessing sports, and this initiative seeks to overcome those challenges. Unlike visible disabilities, autism is a hidden disability, which means additional support may not be immediately apparent.
According to Aspect’s research, common barriers for individuals on the autism spectrum include personal challenges, social communication difficulties, and a lack of inclusive opportunities or autism awareness. On the other hand, creating a supportive environment through clear and accessible information, inclusive policies, and affordable opportunities can break down these barriers, allowing individuals to thrive in sports and other community settings.