1.4 Disability Equity

Document 1.4

                                                                CCC DISABILITY EQUITY POLICY

Equity and access to Canadians with a disability has always been a part of Cross Country Canada and is now an even larger part of our sport. The nature of cross country skiing allows for participation by those with disabilities, be it physical or intellectual.

In 1998, through discussions with Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers (CADS) and Canadian Association of Athletes with Mental Handicap (CAAMH), Cross Country Canada completed the inclusion process of managing both generic and disabled skiing programs under a single National Sport Organization. A Disabled Skiing Committee is now represented on the Executive Committee and is involved with the decision making of the mainstream programs for CCC as well as the disabled programs. Within that committee structure, a member of the Disabled National Ski Team acts as the Athlete Representative and has voting powers.

Cross Country Canada is committed to ensuring that all its members, be they women or men, able-bodied or disabled (physically or intellectually), have equal access to a complete range of opportunities within all aspects of the sport.

Cross Country Canada encourages all members to participate as athletes, coaches, officials and volunteer leaders and ensures that benefits for all members shall be consistent and equal. An ongoing integration process is underway to meet the needs and programs for all members, be they able-bodied or disabled.