People with disability

Sport and recreation contributes to the health and wellbeing of all people and helps break down the barriers that once stopped people with disability from participating.

The department continues to educate and assist sporting organisations and clubs to make the changes needed to encourage people with disability to experience the same thrills and excitement of other members.

To ensure organisations can meet the needs of people with disability, their families and carers, the department provides funding and consultancy services to support the modification of programs so that everyone can participate.

Sport and Recreation Disability Forums

Every year, the Department hosts a series of interactive Sport and Recreation Disability Forums.

These forums are designed to build connections for people with disability to get involved in sport and recreation, by creating and developing relationships between sport and recreation bodies and disability service providers. The forums are held on a quarterly-basis.

Disability service providers, State Sporting Associations, local governments and any other relevant organisations are invited to attend and/or present at the forums, to share and promote their inclusive programs/stories.

Video conferencing facilities are also available for those based in the regions. However, please contact your local regional office first to organise a booking.

To attend and/or present at these forums, please email the Inclusion Team or call 61 8 9492 9700.

Including people with disability in sport and recreation

Sport and recreation enables greater connections to community

Everyone has the right to be a part of an inclusive and welcoming community where their contribution is recognised and valued. People with disability should have equal opportunity to participate in a mainstream community club.

Participation in community sport or recreation provides an opportunity to develop physical skills and social connectedness. This can be a life-changing experience especially for those with limited social networks. For clubs, opening their doors to all people in the community helps break down stereotypes and build a stronger club culture. By welcoming everyone to participate clubs are likely to experience an increase in club membership and thus revenue, more volunteers and increased funding opportunities.

The inclusion spectrum

There are a variety of ways to participate in sport and recreation. The Inclusion Spectrum outlines five alternative modes and can be a useful tool to encourage clubs to focus on modifying activities to support inclusion. When modifying activities to support inclusion, clubs must be mindful to balance maximising individual potential and maintaining activity integrity.

Handy tips when working with people with disability

Don't make assumptions about a person’s abilities. If you’re not sure what someone can do just ask!
Speak and/or partner with service providers who work with people with disability
Think about putting in place an inclusion policy so inequity/discrimination can be addressed quickly
Provide safe, friendly and accessible environments
Mix physical and social activities
Allow participants to help plan programs
Build confidence by including non-competitive activities
Relax! People with disability are just people
Speak to adults with disability as adults
Ask before you help and respect a person’s right to refuse your help
Always speak directly to the person with disability. If the person is with a carer or interpreter do not direct your conversation to them.

Inclusive sport and recreation opportunities

The organisations below can provide more information about the inclusive sport and recreation opportunities in your community.

Local government

Contact your local government and ask to speak with their Community Development Officer about opportunities for people with disability in your local area.

State Sporting Associations

Many State Sporting Associations will be able to provide information about opportunities for people with disability to get involved in their respective sports. Contact the State Sporting Association directly.

View contact details for State Sporting Associations

Ability Centre

106 Bradford Street, Coolbinia WA 6050
Telephone 61 8 9443 0211
Email the Ability Centre
Ability Centre website

Autism Association of WA

215 Stubbs Terrace, Shenton Park WA 6008
Telephone 61 8 9489 8900
Email the Autism Association of WA
Autism Association of WA website

Inclusion Solutions and Inclusion WA

61 Walters Drive, Osborne Park WA 6017
Telephone 61 8 9201 8900
Email Inclusion Solutions
Email Inclusion WA
Inclusion Solutions website
Inclusion WA website

National Disability Services

12 Lindsay Street, Perth WA 6100
Telephone 61 8 9242 5544
Email National Disability Services
National Disability Services website

Rebound WA

Herb Graham Recreation Centre
38 Ashbury Crescent, Mirrabooka WA 6061
PO Box 134 Mirrabooka WA 6941
Telephone 61 8 6143 5800

Email admin@reboundwa.com
Rebound WA website

Rocky Bay

60 McCabe St, Mosman Park WA 6012
Telephone 61 8 9383 5111
Rocky Bay website

Special Olympics WA

Level 5, Lillee Marsh Stand, WACA, Nelson Crescent, East Perth WA 6004
Telephone 61 8 9321 3207
Email Special Olympics WA
Special Olympics WA website

Therapy Focus

1140 Albany Highway, Bentley WA 6102
Telephone 61 8 9478 9500
Therapy Focus website

VisAbility

61 Kitchener Avenue, Victoria Park WA 6100
Telephone 61 8 9311 8202
VisAbility website

WA Deaf Society

5 Aberdeen Street, East Perth WA 6004
Telephone 61 8 9441 2677
Email the WA Deaf Society
WA Deaf Society website

WA Disabled Sports Association

Corner Kent and Gloucester Street, East Victoria Park WA 6101
Telephone 61 8 94701442
WADSA website

Page reviewed 04 July 2019