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Throughout 2009 interactive forum sessions were conducted in each state and territory, they involved the use of Turning Point interactive keypad technology to gather general opinions on people with disability and sport and recreation from representatives of the community organisations providing them with support. Over 100 organisations took part in the process which concluded in September 2009. The disability sector resource project represents a specifically targeted follow-up to this initial information gathering exercise.

Aims

The Sports CONNECT Disability Sector Resource Project has three main aims

• to identify factors that impact upon the participation of people with disability in sport and recreation
• design and develop a flexible education package suitable for delivery to the sport and disability sectors
• test the delivery of the resource material with the sport and disability sectors

These aims were to be achieved through a process of

• review of existing material
• consultation with the disability, and where relevant, sports sectors
• design, development and testing of new material

However it was felt that the project should consider some additional issues

• a more extensive consultation process was required; the sport sector (‘supply’ side) had received the greater majority of support through the Disability Education Program and the Sports CONNECT framework, therefore the emphasis should be on consultation with the Disability Sector (‘demand’ end) to gather views about the need for, and nature of, the proposed resource
• in addition to resource material already produced, the concept of sport-based educational material for use by the disability sector should be explored
• that the process should be directed by the findings of the consultation

It was decided, therefore, with the assistance of the Sports CONNECT network, in particular state-territory coordinators, to embark on an extensive consultation with disability services organisations, service users, their parents and carers.

The sub-text behind this focused consultation was to ask individual participants representing these groups what kind of resource would

• help them to build on previous sports background
• develop positive perceptions of sport and physical activity
• recognise and develop solutions to perceived barriers to participation
• understand and enjoy the benefits of sport and physical recreation