Interested in becoming a volunteer with Special Olympics in Canada? Already a volunteer or coach and looking to brush up on your skills and earn new credentials?
There is currently an opportunity to access a number of professional development resources for coaches and volunteers. Below is a preliminary overview of eLearning courses that are available through Special Olympics.
Online Volunteer Orientation
This course is targeted as a basic introduction to Special Olympics in Canada. It covers;
- Overview and Introduction to Special Olympics
- Risk Management
- Working with Special Olympics athletes
Coaches can take the course online at the Special Olympics SOLearn platform. The course is free but coaches will need to create a login.
The Coaching Association of Canada Locker
Three modules, developed by Special Olympics Canada have been launched on the Locker. All three courses are targeted at Special Olympics coaches and are being offered for free. Upon completion it will be recorded on the coach’s NCCP transcript and provides 1 PD point.
Coaching Athletes with Down Syndrome
Special Olympic Canada’s Coaching Athletes with Down Syndrome eLearning module is designed for those who coach athletes with Down syndrome. In this module coaches learn how to empower athletes with Down syndrome to become active and successful participants in sport.
Once you have completed the module, you will be able to:
- Explain Down syndrome and the characteristics of individuals with Down syndrome
- Describe the benefits of physical activity for individuals with Down syndrome
- Explain how individuals with Down syndrome learn best
- Apply coaching practices that will support optimal outcomes for athletes with Down syndrome
This module will take you approximately 20‐30 minutes to complete.
Coaching Athletes with Autism in a recreational setting
In this module coaches will receive additional training regarding autism, specific to sport and coaching. The four sections will introduce coaches to autism and what it looks like in a recreation setting, 1:1 strategies for supporting individuals with ASD, and group coaching strategies for supporting individuals with autism. This module was developed in collaboration with the Canucks Autism Network.
Once you have completed this module you will be able to;
- Explain autism and the characteristics of individuals with autism
- Better understand how to support individuals with autism
- Implement and use prompting and modeling in a recreational setting
- Effectively use visual supports and motivational strategies
This module will take you approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Diversity and Inclusion in Action
The Diversity and Inclusion in Action eLearning module is designed for volunteers, coaches, staff, board members, and/or other stakeholders of your organization. In this module, you will learn how to contribute to the success of an organization that reflects, respects, and promotes diversity and inclusion
Once you have completed the module, you will be able to:
- Recognize your implicit (unconscious) biases and their potential negative impact
- Explain why it’s important to create an organization that is diverse and inclusive
- Apply strategies to foster diversity and inclusion
This module will take you approximately 30‐40 minutes to complete.
Safe Sport
This free, 90‐minute module will equip your coaches, administrators, and volunteers with the knowledge to recognize, address, and prevent maltreatment in sport. In addition, the CAC has created tools and resources to help you embed Safe Sport principles throughout your organization that can be accessed through this eLearning workshop.
This course is accessed through the CAC Locker, on the general eLearning tab.
Special Olympics International
SOI has a learning platform for coaches, volunteers, staff and athletes and are currently providing a number of courses, some for free. Coaches can explore the catalogue for courses on unified sports, health, Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities, and some sport specific content.
Coaches will need to create a login to access material.