With

Cindy Bickman

Presented by Cindy Bickman

•Owner & director of Chattooga Gymnastics, Marietta, Georgia

•Special Olympics representative to USA Gymnastics Advisory

Council

•USA Gymnastics National coach & Master of Sport r Rhythmic

Gymnastics

•USA Gymnastics National Coach – Gymnastics for All

•USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic coach - Artistic Gymnastics

•Special Olympics International Technical Delegate Emeritus for

Rhythmic Gymnastics

•Coach of the Cobb County Special Olympics Gymnastics Team

• I know how to teach gymnasts of different ages & ability

levels.

• I know technique, skill progressions, drills, & SAFETY.

• I coach each individual gymnast in the way that best suits

his/her learning style.

I AM NOT A MEDICAL

PROFESSIONAL

I coach gymnasts,

not disabilities!

• Focuses on the individual’s medical condition

as the barrier

• Focuses on what a person can’t do

• Disability is caused by a person’s health

condition or impairment

* British Gymnastics

*Disability is created by barriers in society, such as:

• The environment – inaccessible buildings &

services

• People’s attitude – prejudice, stereotyping, &

discrimination

• Organizations – inflexible policies, practices, &

procedures

British Gymnastics

IN SPORTS, ATHLETES FOCUS ON THEIR

ABILITIES, NOT THEIR DISABILITIES.

Athletes can:

•Learn & progress in their chosen sport

•Participate in mainstream sports & events –

INCLUSION

•Develop social skills

•Develop self esteem

YOU HAVE DECIDED TO INCLUDE GYMNASTS WITH

DISABILITIES INTO YOUR PROGRAM.

WHAT’S NEXT?

•Gym accessibility

• Publicity

• Release forms

• Insurance

• Staff Training

• Private lessons

• Small groups with one coach per gymnast

• Small groups with several helpers

•Groups with one coach

• Inclusion

• You have your class schedule organized, &

students are enrolled.

• You have release forms signed.

• You have researched some of the disabilities

you may encounter.

• The first day of class has arrived!

YIKES!!! What do you do now?

YOU TEACH GYMNASTICS!

COACHIING TIPS

HAVE A PLAN!

Always have Plans B, C, & D in mind in case Plan A

fails.

Structure your class the same every week,

especially in the beginning.

Let change become the norm.

Teach skills right the first time. You may not have the opportunity to make changes later.

Teach skill progressions

RESOURCES

Cindy Bickman

cbickman@earthlink.net

• How to Start a Special Needs Program in Your Gym

• www.usagym.org/specialneeds

• Special Olympics