New aquatic facility guidelines to support inclusive community sport
The Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability (ASAPD) and Otium Planning Group have developed new guidelines to support more accessible and inclusive community aquatic facilities across Australia. The Disability Sports – Community Facility Guidelines – Volume 3: Aquatic complete the three-volume series covering indoor, outdoor and aquatic sporting environments.
The guidelines provide practical direction for the planning, design and management of community aquatic facilities, including public pools, private learn-to-swim pools and education institution pools. They are intended to help planners, designers, government agencies, facility owners, operators and sporting organisations create welcoming environments that support participation by people with disability.
Recognising that accessibility extends beyond entering and exiting a pool, the resource considers the complete participant journey. Key guidance covers accessible venue information, arrival and navigation, pool entry options, slip-resistant surfaces, acoustics, lighting, communication supports, changerooms and amenities, spectator access and low-sensory spaces.
The guidelines also emphasise the importance of equitable access to training and competition during peak times, inclusive programming, staff disability awareness training and performance measures. Meaningful co-design and engagement with people with lived experience of disability are central to adapting the guidance to each facility and community.
As Australia moves towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the guidelines support a lasting infrastructure legacy that enables people of all abilities to participate, connect and thrive in community sport.
Access the new guidelines HERE.
