Autism Association 2024 Annual Report

Throughout the season, we supported cricketers to join their local cricket clubs. We provided training to community cricket clubs to build skills and confidence in welcoming and supporting players of all abilities to have a positive sporting experience. The Autism in Cricket team provided support and training to clubs and its members throughout the year. The program welcomed 2 new Endorsed Clubs this season, now supporting 12 Endorsed Inclusive Cricket Clubs across Western Australia. Due to the increased participation and a need for additional volunteers and support staff at local clubs, a new initiative to connect support workers in our Community Individual Options team with cricket clubs was established. Throughout the season, new resources were added to our online resource library, adding to the large selection of free printable resources available to families and cricket clubs to help them support Autistic players. We also delivered training to physical education teachers at Edith Cowan University and the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) conference, delivering training to SEDA students who will go on to become sports leaders in the local community. Recognition at a state, national and international level We were honoured to have the Autism in Cricket program named as the winner of the Inclusive Communities Award at the inaugural 2023 National Disability Awards. The program was also featured in an article titled ‘Thinking outside the box: Cricket and Autism’ in the Wisden Cricket Almanack, the most famous sports book in the world. Additionally, the programs Come and Try Session featured on media channels across the state. During the season, the Autism in Cricket team also received several enquiries from outside of Western Australia, seeking support or advice relating to Autism inclusivity in cricket. Through our strong collaboration with WA Cricket and the WA Cricket Foundation; and the support of our Program Ambassadors, Adam Gilchrist and Boyd Duffield, the program has broken down barriers to inclusion in sport. It provides hundreds of children and young people with the opportunity to be part of their local club and build valuable friendships through participating in the game of cricket. The start of the 2023/2024 cricket season was a smash hit with our fourth Annual Autism in Cricket Come and Try Session welcoming a record number of attendees. The event saw approximately 100 individuals with Autism attend, and an almost equal number of siblings, making this our best attended event yet to date!

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