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collaborations will signal to others the importance of working together to bring positive change for people with disabilities. Akeem admits it is not a smooth path, but he is encouraged by the success stories he sees daily: “When I look at my participants, I see the progress in behaviours, speech, learning ability, and overall well-being, especially among children with autism. And parents beam when they see their children participate in ways they never thought possible. These milestones are my true measures of success.” Looking ahead, Akeem plans to extend the academy’s reach to all Caribbean islands. His goals include creating more opportunities for sport events, competitions, and travel for individuals with disabilities. Akeem aspires to produce more Paralympic athletes and Special Olympics athletes, adding to a region-wide culture of inclusion. As Akeem continues his journey as a champion of inclusion, he is not just on course to change lives but to reshape the landscape of inclusion through sport. u
“Persons did not see the benefit immediately. In particular, funding was and remains a significant hurdle. In addition, there needs to be ongoing support for the creation of inclusive spaces if we are to have the community of disabled persons actively participating in these sports and sports-related activities,” he remarked. D espite the obstacles, Akeem has triumphed over the past four years, witnessing a positive shift in societal acceptance of physical activity for special individuals. His commitment to evidence-based practices and special educational needs has helped
him to shape the academy to meet the specific needs of his students. However, Akeem says that IncludeU Sports Academy is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. To serve the local disabled community better, he studied the systems around special education and disability, designing strategies that address the unique needs of this community. “The academy is based on and guided by sports science, evidence-based practices, and special educational needs. In fact, at the core of IncludeU Sports Academy’s success is its commitment to inclusive practices. We use customised interventions for all participants, focusing on their strengths,” he explained. Akeem emphasised that by providing high success environments and empowering participants, the academy ensures that every person, regardless of ability, feels welcome and supported. His dedication to inclusion goes beyond his academy. He collaborates with various organisations, including the Barbados Council for the Disabled , the Autism Association of Barbados , the Barbados Down Syndrome Association , and other similar groups. He hopes these
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