How to be a disability inclusive sports club

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Inclusion is a win for all

Did you know one in five Whittlesea residents identifies as having disability or long-term physical or mental illness? That’s 15% of our municipality’s population.

Imagine how many more people your club could welcome with some small modifications and adjustments.

One of the biggest issues people with disability face is community inclusion, including the ability to participate in sport and physical activity.

Discover the benefits of becoming a more inclusive sports club and find out how to get started with the tips and resources below. 

Kick off your disability inclusion journey

It's easy to start making your club more inclusive.

Our friends at Access All Abilities Play (AAA Play) – a Victorian organisation connecting people with disability to sports and recreational opportunities – have created a handy flyer to get you started.

Here's a sample of the tips you'll find in the downloadable resource.

Make a commitment

Make the commitment within your club to be inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities. Define what being ‘inclusive’ means for your club. Aim for a top-down approach to ensure inclusion is embedded in your club. 

Identify barriers

Identify barriers to inclusion at your club and use the resources on the AAA Play website to upskill club members and volunteers, update policies and procedures and complete an audit of your club. 

Apply for grants

Once you’ve identified the actions that need to be taken within your club, look for funding opportunities. There's lots of help available for proactive clubs.

See AAA Play's information about club grants

Get your free communications package

Contact AAA Play for a free communications package to help you connect with people with disabilities. 

Explore AAA Play's online resources and programs for sporting clubs that want to become more inclusive.

Download AAA Play's How to be an inclusive club flyer

Get Council support

We also have support available for your club at the City of Whittlesea. Contact us at info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170 and ask to speak with our Inclusion and Participation officer.