Sailing for the Disabled online course to be funded by lottery

A charity that offers sailing experiences for people with disabilities has received £5,000 to provide its volunteers and members with online training.

The funding, awarded to Sailing for the Disabled by Manx Lottery Trust, will be used to develop disability awareness training.

The charity said the move from in-person to online would increase capacity, reduce administrative work and ensure up-to-date safety standards were met.

Carol Quayle from Sailing for the Disabled said the move would “make it far easier for members and volunteers to complete essential training”.

“It also supports our wider strategy of streamlining admin tasks, so our volunteers can focus on what matters most, providing life-enriching experiences on the water for our members,” she continued.

The training includes an overview of disabilities on the island highlights the island’s laws and regulations.

It also offers guidance on terminology usage and inclusive language, effective communication and overcoming barriers.

Ms Quayle said the charity wanted the online training course to be “engaging, accessible and effective” as well as allowing volunteers to complete it at their own pace.

Once developed, the course will be available to complete on its new website.

Sarah Kelly Chairman of Manx lottery Trust said the project would “improve accessibility, enhance volunteer engagement and build long-term sustainability” for the charity’s work.

Sailing for the Disabled is a “valued community organisation that provides unique and inclusive experiences for people across the island”, she added.