Gaps in period support exclude people with disability from sport

New research from Victoria University and Share the Dignity highlights a critical barrier to sport participation for people with disability: a lack of accessible and appropriate menstruation support.

Key findings show:

• 67% of physically active respondents chose not to participate in sport while menstruating.

• 65% of inactive respondents said their period was a reason for not participating.

• Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) feel anxious about their period when playing sport.

• Only 1 in 10 have received information on managing their period in sport.

• Up to 81% of NDIS participants were unaware funding could support adaptive menstrual products.

Barriers include inaccessible or unclean facilities, limited privacy, and a lack of suitable products and education – all impacting confidence, comfort, and participation.

Addressing these gaps is essential to ensuring people with disability can participate in sport safely, confidently, and with dignity.

Read the full media release from Victoria University HERE.