Month: July 2025

Participants Needed for Deakin University Research

Deakin University is conducting an important research project to learn more about how people with intellectual disability manage obesity, and who or what helps them on this journey. Led by Associate Professor Joanne Watson and student researcher Samantha Lilly, this study aims to improve the supports and services available.

If you or someone you know would like to share their experience, Deakin University would warmly welcome your participation.

ASAPD are helping spread the word.

Find out more or consider getting involved today.

Inside Valleys District Cricket Club All Abilities Program

Everyone’s Welcome: Inside Valleys’ All Abilities Cricket Program

Valleys District Cricket Club is proving that sport truly can be for everyone. The club’s All Abilities Program is founded on a core belief that every person deserves the chance to be part of a team, to play, and to belong. The program was developed specifically to provide a welcoming and fun space for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether a participant has never picked up a cricket bat or has tried other sports and not quite found their fit, Valleys meets them where they are.

The program has expanded to now offer two distinct streams to better cater for different needs and goals:

Foundation Program: Held at Ashgrove Sports Ground on Friday evenings during the cricket season, these sessions blend skill-building activities and modified games. The focus is on enjoyment, not competition. With small group support from a dedicated team of coaches and helpers, this program allows each player to progress at their own pace. This program welcomes participants aged 5 and up. Many participants are neurodiverse, and for many families, it’s the first time their child has felt truly part of a team. Siblings are encouraged to join as well.
Athlete Development Pathway: For teens and adults who are ready to take their cricket further, this pathway runs on Wednesday evenings and offers more structured social games and opportunities for competitive play. Participants may work towards selection for prestigious events like the Queensland Cricket Inclusion Championships or the Special Olympics pathway. Experienced coaches provide support with a focus on skill development and teamwork.

The All Abilities Program is about fostering belonging, friendship, and confidence. Every win, no matter the size, is celebrated. The atmosphere caters for each participant to feel valued for who they are, and encouraged to have fun and grow.

Joining the program is easy. Families can register their interest through the Valleys website (www.valleycricket.org.au/allabilities) or directly contact the club at allabilities@valleycricket.org.au.

Sportish Podcast

Supported by ASAPD.

Where sport and pop culture collide. Tune in each week to hear about the human stories behind the headlines, so you can feel included in the world of sport – without a yawn-inducing parade of facts and figures.

Come away feeling connected to the culture. And maybe even confident enough to chat about sport with your sports-crazy kids, partner, work colleagues or friends.

thumbnail_Sportish x ASAPD Robyn Smith Square

Year 3 of the Sport Volunteer Coalition (SVC) Action Plan – Australian Sports Commission

The Australian Sports Commission has released a new report and video as part of the Sport Volunteer Coalition Action Plan. This important work highlights how we can create more inclusive, flexible, and rewarding volunteer experiences across the sport sector.

The Action Plan outlines key steps to support and strengthen volunteering now and into the future.

Explore the report and video HERE.

Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability (ASAPD) renews partnership with Dentons for 2025

Australia—National sporting organisation, the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability (ASAPD), has renewed its strategic partnership in Australia with Dentons for 2025.

Dentons will continue to advise ASAPD and its nine affiliated National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability members on the full range of legal issues, including governance, charity law and taxation, intellectual property, employment, safeguarding, risk management, integrity, conduct issues and more.

On continuing ASAPD’s partnership with Dentons, ASAPD’s CEO, Dr Phil Hamdorf, said that “We have enjoyed working with Dentons over the past year. Dentons has invested in ASAPD and cares deeply about our mission and the mission of our members. It is exciting to see what will happen as we extend this partnership for another year.”

Campbell Hudson, Dentons’ lead Charities and Not-for-profit Sector Partner, echoed Dr Hamdorf’s comments by adding that “We at Dentons have really enjoyed working with ASAPD and its members. I am pleased that we can continue to use our vast experience in the charity sector to support Australian disability sport, especially as Brisbane 2032 approaches.” he said.

ASAPD’s nine affiliated National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability members are Blind Sports Australia, Boccia Australia, Deaf Sports Australia, Disability Sports Australia, Disabled Wintersport Australia, Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia, Special Olympics Australia, Sport Inclusion Australia, and Transplant Australia.

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps organisations by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and sustainability, Dentons focuses on what matters most to clients.

ASAPD Inclusive Forum 2026

INCLUSION THROUGH COLLABORATION.

The ASAPD Inclusive Forum 2026 is a breakthrough national event for the disability sport sector. This inaugural industry forum brings together leaders, innovators, and changemakers to connect, collaborate and drive real impact across inclusive sport and active recreation.

The forum provides an exclusive opportunity to connect with professionals from all sectors of disability sport – fostering new partnerships and collaborations to influence meaningful change. Learn the latest insights, best practices and emerging trends to help everyone from grassroots clubs to elite programs become more inclusive.

What to expect

Over 11 engaging segments
19 dynamic speakers and presenters
Authentic voices and lived experience-led discussions
Thought-provoking panels, keynotes and interactive sessions
Inclusive networking and sector showcases
An environment designed to inspire, educate, and connect

Why attend?

Practical tools for inclusive program delivery
Evidence-based policy and research insights
Networking with national and grassroots leaders
Inspiration to lead inclusively in your space

Sponsorships & Partnerships

Be part of shaping a more inclusive future.
Support the forum as a Sponsor or Strategic Partner and showcase your leadership in the inclusion space.

Inclusive Sport Planning – A Strategic Framework for NSO’s

Empowering Inclusive Participation in Australian Sport.

The ASAPD x PlayWell Inclusive Sport Planning Framework is a practical guide designed to support National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) embed disability inclusion into their participation planning. Developed in collaboration with leading inclusion experts and national bodies, this resource forms part of ASAPD’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable access for all Australians in sport and active recreation.

About the Framework

This framework provides a strategic, evidence-informed roadmap to help NSOs:

Design and deliver inclusion-focused initiatives
Co-design with lived-experience stakeholders
Align with the Play Well National Participation Strategy
Embed inclusion principles across every layer of participation planning

The resource is particularly relevant for Phase 3: Co-Design of the Play Well planning process and helps ensure inclusion is not treated as a standalone concept, but as an integrated, organisation-wide approach.

For further information please contact –

Garry West-Bail

National Project Manager

admin@asapd.org

Are you taking the plunge for Special Olympics Australia?

The water’s cold. The cause is powerful. And we need you!

From 19 July – 10 August, Australians will be taking the plunge for inclusion – the Polar Plunge! And there’s still time for you to join them. Whether you plunge, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, it’s your chance to be part of something bold and meaningful.

Each year, hundreds of Australians take part in Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Australia, raising vital funds and awareness for athletes with intellectual disability and/or autism. Whether you’re plunging solo, joining a team, or cheering from the sidelines with a donation, you’ll be helping to create a more inclusive world for all, driven by the power of sport.

“The Polar Plunge is one of the most powerful ways we can bring people together – not just to raise funds, but to build awareness, celebrate inclusion, and show what’s possible when the community stands behind our athletes,” Special Olympics Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor said.