With more than 5.5 million Australians living with disability, early education plays a vital role in shaping how young people understand inclusion and accessibility. Yet, many schools still lack consistent access to disability awareness programs that build empathy and understanding.
Sporting Wheelies is addressing this gap through ‘Raising the Bar’, an in-school program led by people with disability, known as ‘Game Changers’, who share their personal experiences and teach inclusive language through adaptive sports demonstrations.
Brisbane local and Game Changer, Jacob Lake, says helping students see disability as “just one part of who we are” has been life-changing for both the participants and himself.
Sporting Wheelies’ 2025 Christmas Appeal supports the expansion of this program, ensuring more classrooms across Queensland can benefit from disability education grounded in empathy and lived experience.