Maccabi and Jewish Care join forces to help the disabled
Maccabi Victoria and Jewish Care have released their joint Research Project Report “All Abilities Needs Analysis”, seeking to improve the positive outcomes of people with disabilities in the Victorian Jewish community through sport and active recreation.
Kevin Kreiner, Disability Services Manager, Jewish Care; Bill Appleby, CEO, Jewish Care; Joe Dorfman, President Maccabi Victoria; Maureen Flaherty, GM Community Services, Jewish Care; Sharon Hamilton Board Member, Maccabi Victoria; and Russell Jaffe, President Maccabi Victoria Sports Foundation
As the first project of its type in the community, it represents a significant commitment from both Maccabi Victoria and Jewish Care to improve the positive outcomes of people with disabilities in the Victorian Jewish community through sport and active recreation.
The research sought to identify the number of Jewish people in Victoria with special needs and the nature of their disabilities; identify their sporting & recreational needs and aspirations; and develop a blueprint for future programs and projects.
The project adopted wide ranging methodology, including semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, participant online surveys and Maccabi Victoria club online surveys, background research as well as analysis of census and other survey data.
Bill Appleby and Joe Dorfman
The report revealed clients with a disability within the Jewish community have a range of recreational and sporting interests, the Maccabi clubs are very keen to support those interests and as a result the need for increased resources for sporting and recreational activities for this target group is required.
The final report has outlined a considerable number of important considerations, including:
- Broadening the scope and reach of the All Abilities activities.
- Ensuring that there is better data on the target population.
- Expanding the awareness and knowledge base for greater levels of inclusion within the Maccabi club network.
- Identifying and dealing with key barriers for participation and inclusion by people with a disability.
- Expand the Communication Strategy from the All Abilities group, especially in the area of social media.
Jewish Care’s General Manager of Community Services, Maureen Flaherty, stated that Jewish Care is committed to advocating and supporting access for clients with a disability into sport and recreational activities. Flaherty was very excited by the possibilities arising from the research project and the leadership role Maccabi is taking in supporting inclusion. Sharon Hamilton from Maccabi Victoria stated that she was thrilled at the level of involvement and support for the project by their 23 member clubs. She went on to add that the Maccabi Victoria Board and staff look forward to working with the clubs in building involvement and enhancing the range of activities.
The report was undertaken by sport management consultant Nikki Burger under the direction of a joint Steering Committee.
