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.
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 6552 7300.
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.
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.
The organisations below can provide more information about the inclusive sport and recreation opportunities in your community.
Contact your local government and ask to speak with their Community Development Officer about opportunities for people with disability in your local area.
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
106 Bradford Street, Coolbinia WA 6050Telephone 61 8 9443 0211Email the Ability CentreAbility Centre website
215 Stubbs Terrace, Shenton Park WA 6008Telephone 61 8 9489 8900Email the Autism Association of WAAutism Association of WA website
61 Walters Drive, Osborne Park WA 6017Telephone 61 8 9201 8900Email Inclusion Solutions Email Inclusion WAInclusion Solutions website Inclusion WA website
12 Lindsay Street, Perth WA 6100Telephone 61 8 9242 5544Email National Disability ServicesNational Disability Services website
Herb Graham Recreation Centre38 Ashbury Crescent, Mirrabooka WA 6061PO Box 134 Mirrabooka WA 6941 Telephone 61 8 6143 5800
Email admin@reboundwa.comRebound WA website
60 McCabe St, Mosman Park WA 6012Telephone 61 8 9383 5111Rocky Bay website
Level 5, Lillee Marsh Stand, WACA, Nelson Crescent, East Perth WA 6004 Telephone 61 8 9321 3207Email Special Olympics WASpecial Olympics WA website
1140 Albany Highway, Bentley WA 6102Telephone 61 8 9478 9500Therapy Focus website
61 Kitchener Avenue, Victoria Park WA 6100Telephone 61 8 9311 8202VisAbility website
5 Aberdeen Street, East Perth WA 6004Telephone 61 8 9441 2677Email the WA Deaf SocietyWA Deaf Society website
Corner Kent and Gloucester Street, East Victoria Park WA 6101Telephone 61 8 94701442WADSA website