Western Australia (WA)

Sport and Recreation

The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, opens in a new tab works 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.

Department of Communities

A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030, opens in a new tab. On 3 December 2020, the State Government launched a 10-year whole-of-community vision to protect, uphold and advance the rights of people with disability living in Western Australia. The Strategy) sets the foundation for building a more inclusive Western Australia, empowering people with disability to participate meaningfully in all parts of society and to have the resources to do so.

• Sport and recreation are highlighted as a strategic priority under the Inclusive Communities pillar. Through the Strategy, community groups and organisations will be supported to be more inclusive of people with disability by creating more opportunities for everyone to participate in activities and events alongside each other. The aim is to move beyond participation, which may involve separate teams or clubs for people with disability, to integration and inclusion, where everyone has the opportunity to be involved, can choose how they participate and can progress into any skill appropriate team regardless of disability.

WA Disabled Sports Association (WADSA)

WADSA, opens in a new tab empowers people living with a disability through meaningful participation in sport, recreation and a range of fun disability services across WA. Some resources include:

• WADSA Support Workers eLearning Module, opens in a new tab, (September 2024). WADSA teamed up with etrainu to provide comprehensive training for support workers across Western Australia, aiming to enhance the quality of care and services for people with disabilities.
• Volunteers and Coaches Training Manual, opens in a new tab, (2023). A participant centered approach to sport and recreation means the needs of the individual are put before the needs of the club/school/parents/coach. Participants should feel empowered to be make choices and be involved in their sport and recreation development. WADSA place emphasis on participation and the creation of a fun and safe environment. We highlight the creation of an environment where all participants are valued and encouraged.