Adaptive Paddling and Inclusive Instruction

Paddle Canada is proud to be an inclusive association, encouraging anyone and everyone to engage in camping and paddling. As such, Paddle Canada instructors are expected to operate in an open and inclusive manner.

Topics addressing adaptive camping and paddling should be included at each instructor level and instructor trainers should develop the following skills in the candidates:

• The ability to adapt teaching and coaching strategies to meet the needs of a wide variety of populations including specific ages and gender, individuals with physical barriers including, for example, people with hearing loss or people who use a wheelchair, and individuals with mental barriers such as learning disabilities or autism. Adaptive strategies might include, for example, using age-appropriate language when working with youth, or modifying outfitting to allow people with hemiplegia to sit in a canoe or kayak, or on a paddleboard.
• The ability to identify the concerns and strengths of everyone they are working with. For example, pre-teens are generally physically competent and will learn physical skills quickly. Conversely, pre-teens generally have shorter attention spans and will reluctantly sit through lectures.
• An understanding of the principles of adaptive recreation, including using words and actions that preserve the dignity of the individuals and recognize the right of individuals to choose to take some risk in engaging in all recreation.
• The use of “people first language” which is used to avoid perceived and subconscious dehumanization when discussing people with disabilities. For example, use a “person with a disability” and not “the disabled person”.

Instructors should be prepared to accommodate their students by modifying their programs in any of the following areas:

Leadership

• Lesson planning
• Activities & games
• Site logistics including, washrooms, transportation, etc.

Equipment

• Kitchen and cooking gear
• Sleeping bags
• Canoes, stand up paddleboards or kayaks
• Paddles

Presentation Skills

• Voice (for example tone, projection, speed)
• Language (for example technical level)
• Supervision level

Camping Skills

• Setting up a kitchen
• Repairing camping gear
• Menu planning
• Setting up a tent

Paddling Skills

• Launching and landing
• Boat handling skills
• Re-entry skills and required equipment
• Theory topics (for example, weather or navigation)