Two More Stages
Development of AWADs requires two new stages in addition to the 7 stages in the able-bodied LTAD model (Canadian Sport for Life, pages 36-44). These stages are called Awareness and First Contact/Recruitment and are particularly important for individuals with an acquired disability who, prior to injury or illness, may have had no contact with, and no knowledge of, sport for AWADs. These additional stages are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Two More Stages
The period following acquisition of a disability is one of transition and great change for most individuals. Some activities in which they were previously engaged may no longer be open to them in the same form, and they may not be aware of the many sporting and recreation activities that are available. The purpose of the Awareness and First Contact/ Recruitment stages is, therefore, to inform individuals of the range of activities in which they can participate and to provide ways for them to experience those activities. A positive first experience can go a long way to engaging persons with a disability in both competitive and recreational sporting activities.
Athletes who retire from disability competition need to be encouraged to remain involved in the sport as coaches, program volunteers, fundraisers, mentors, or officials.
Awareness Stage
Sport opportunities for people with a disability are not always well known and someone who acquires a disability may have no knowledge of what sports are available. Sports need to develop awareness plans to make their offerings known to prospective AWADs.
First Contact/Recruitment Stage
Sports only have one opportunity to create a positive environment for prospective AWADs. It may not be easy for them to make the first approach to a sport, and research shows that if they don't have a positive first experience, they may be lost to the sport and to a healthy lifestyle.
Since people become disabled at any age, no ages have been assigned to these additional stages. The life-long importance of an Active Start for kids with a congenital disability cannot be over-emphasized.