The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Disability Sports Australia’s new strategic plan is out
Making disability sport a normal part of everyday life
Particpation in sport needs to be about more than just focusing on achievement at the Paralympics. Peak body Disability Sports Australia is trying to change that by making sport a part of the everyday lives of People with Disability.
Disability Sports Australia is unveiling a bold new game plan as part of its Strategic Plan for the next three years, promising to shake up how Aussies with disability get involved in sport.
The plan marks a major shift, with the organisation moving from a behind-the-scenes role to actively driving programs that boost participation from the ground up.
Backing the push is private health insurer Bupa which is teaming up with DSA to help break down the barriers that keep too many People with Disability sidelined.
According to DSA Co-Chair Dr. Renae Domaschenz, the plan represents the organisation's evolution from merely serving as a peak body to actively building sporting capabilities that enable meaningful participation for people with disabilities.
"Sport has the power to transform lives," said Domaschenz.
"This strategic plan ensures our commitment to raising awareness and closing the participation gap for people with disability at the grassroots level."
The announcement comes amid concerning statistics that for every three Australians with a disability who want to participate in sports, only one currently has the opportunity to do so.
Kerri Griffiths, DSA Co-Chair says the organisation is being driven by community engagement.
“This ensures that we are not only being responsive to the needs of people with disability but proactive in reshaping the sporting landscape to be truly inclusive”, Griffiths said.
Currently, an estimated 828,000 adults with disabilities participate in sport-related activities at least once weekly.
Frances Quan, DSA's Community Consultation and Research Lead, emphasised that the initiative aims to serve all people with disabilities, not just elite athletes.
"Not everyone wants to be a Para Matilda, we just want to go out there and participate in sport," Quan insists.
Author’s Note
Today’s the first day of DSC’s Annual Conference in Melbourne - and new Minister Senator Jenny McAllister’s making her first appearance to engage with the sector.
She was on the plane from Canberra with us last night so we’re sure she’ll have something interesting to say this morning.
abilityNEWS will be there this to bring you our exclusive report tomorrow.
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