The key to inclusion is accessibility. For Australians with a disability, feeling included in sport has been an enduring challenge, from knowing which sports are offered that caters for people with disabilities, to where the clubs are located, or even how to get involved.
The Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability aims to make sport more accessible with the launch of their website (www.asapd.org) and provides information and resources on inclusive sports for all abilities.
The website includes a list and links to National Sporting Organisation’s for Disability (NSODs) so people can find information that will help playing sport more achievable. A comprehensive resources page provides eLearning, toolkits and guides for athletes, coaches, sport administrators, officials and more.
“The mission of the ASAPD is to ensure ‘all Australians have an opportunity to engage in sport and physical activity in a welcoming and inclusive environment’ and for the first time, as an alliance, we can share our collective expertise and capabilities to make this a reality.” said Ms Robyn Smith OAM, Chair of the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability (ASAPD).
ASAPD is made up of nine National Sporting Organisations for Disabilities (NSOD); Blind Sports Australia, Deaf Sports Australia, Disability Sports Australia, Disabled Wintersport Australia, Paralympics Australia, Riding for the Disabled Association Australia, Special Olympics Australia, Sport Inclusion Australia, and Transplant Australia.
To find out more visit www.asapd.org, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.