Learn about the pathways available for people with disabilities to engage in sports and recreational activities, including accessing programs that offer pathways into para sports.
As part of our webinar series, guest presenter Rae Anderson from Disability Sports Australia shared her journey into para sports and discussed the many benefits of being active. Born with left-sided hemiplegic spastic dystonic cerebral palsy, which affects her muscle function and mobility, Rae overcame numerous challenges to excel as a Paralympian in multiple sports and become the second Australian woman to compete in both Summer and Winter Paralympic Games.
In this article, we share highlights of the webinar where you will learn about the pathways available for NDIS participants to engage in recreational and local sports and access pathways to para sports.
Barriers to participation
Over 70% of people living with a disability want to be active, according to Disability Sports Australia. However, they often experience several barriers, limiting their participation in sports and other physical activities.
Personal barriers, including low self-esteem and confidence, as well as fear of injuries, can be more pronounced for people with disabilities.
Other barriers to participation include:
- A scarcity of adaptive sports programs and competitions.
- A lack of accessible sports facilities or venues that accommodate people with disabilities, including inadequate transport options.
- A shortage of trained coaches and inadequate training on how to support people with disabilities.
- Sporting organisations struggle to accommodate people with disabilities due to limited knowledge.
- Individuals with disabilities may lack sufficient information about available programs and opportunities.
“There’s also often a lack of awareness in the broader community about what disability is and how we can adapt sports to include everyone better,” says Rae, who was introduced to para sport opportunities only after a chance meeting with a Paralympian. “That’s why information sessions like this are so important.”
What are adaptive sports and recreation?
Adaptive sports and recreation offer individuals with disabilities an opportunity to engage in physical activities and sports at any level. “It has enormous benefits, not just for competitiveness but also for fitness, daily living, and enhancing physical function,” says Rae.
Adaptive sport involves modifying traditional sports to make them accessible to people with different disabilities. These adaptations can involve a change of rules, equipment, or playing environment. For example:
- Soccer and AFL balls with built-in sounds, like beeping or bells, to help people with visual impairment.
- Frame runners for those with lower-limb weakness, allowing them to move their legs and experience the sensation of running.
- Adapting sports like badminton by using balloons to slow the pace of the sport.
Rae, a fierce champion for adaptive sports, uses a carbon-fibre ski guard and an ankle-foot orthotic to perform at elite levels in alpine skiing. She says, “Beyond physical activity, adaptive sports help people connect with their communities and offer pathways to pursue Paralympic sports at professional levels or simply enjoy recreational activities.”
Pursuing your goals
Setting ambitious goals early is important as it provides a clear vision and can motivate you to overcome challenges and seek opportunities. “I set big goals, like becoming a school sports captain, studying a language overseas, and competing for Australia in soccer,” says Rae.
“Sport has given me opportunities to pursue and achieve these goals despite the challenges of my condition.”
Rae also encourages participants to advocate for themselves and others with disabilities in their communities. “It’s about creating inclusive spaces where everyone can participate, stay active, and thrive.”
Pathways to sport
There are many adaptive sports organisations that are listed on the Disability Sports Australia website.
Disability Sports Australia is actively creating opportunities for people to discover and participate in sports. This includes the Abilities Unleashed Program, their flagship initiative, which offers kids and adults the opportunity to try multiple recreational sports. The events are held nationwide, focusing on modified sports and local programs for long-term engagement. The program is also offered in schools.
Other helpful programs include:
- An initiative with Paralympics Australia, the Try Para Sports program focuses on sports with clear Paralympic pathways.
- Start Line Program from Paralympics Australia is designed to connect individuals with national sports networks. Here, you can find all the information on sports with Paralympic pathways, supported by Paralympics Australia, for those aiming to compete at international levels.
- Disability Sports Australia’s Accessibility Champion Course, designed and developed in conjunction with the Australian Sports Commission and Paralympians, is a free online course that helps clubs and leisure providers become more accessible. It focuses on removing fears about how to approach and talk about disability. The course provides a foundational understanding of disability and offers ongoing resources to support organisations even after completing the program.
You can find out more at Disability Sports Australia.
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