Category: Industry News

Paris 2024 Changed Attitudes Towards Disability

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has released new independent global research showing that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games significantly changed public perceptions of people with disabilities. The Games are now viewed as one of the world’s most prominent sporting events.

The IPC commissioned Nielsen Sports to study the event’s impact, surveying over 15,000 people across 11 countries before and after the Games. Results revealed that 73% of respondents felt their attitudes towards people with disabilities had improved, 80% gained a stronger appreciation of their abilities, and 79% became more supportive of disability inclusion across all areas of society.

Katie Kelly on Para Athlete Funding, Equity, and the Future of Inclusive Sport – ABC Drive

Frankston & District Basketball Association Recognised as an ASAPD Industry Champion

At the Frankston & District Basketball Association (FDBA), inclusion is at the forefront. Inclusion is a guiding principle that shapes how programs are designed, delivered, and experienced at FDBA.

At FDBA, inclusion means the commitment that every person has a place on the court. Programs are intentionally structured to welcome everyone, from Inclusion programs and competitions and Vision-Impaired Basketball to Wheelchair and Walking Basketball, each program is tailored with modified rules, adaptive equipment, and inclusive coaching methods to meet diverse needs. Coaches receive specialised training, and sessions are designed to prioritise fun, confidence-building, and skill development over competition.

With upgraded facilities that are fully accessible, as part of our redevelopment and programs maintain low barriers to entry through affordable fees, flexible registration, and high coach-to-player ratios. By fostering a safe, supportive, and community-focused environment, FDBA empowers every participant to grow, connect, and enjoy the game.

Everyone is welcome in FDBA’s inclusive programs. It is all ages, all experience levels and all abilities.

FBDA has based their inclusive programs on ensuring basketball is accessible for everyone. Their core aims include:

Accessibility
Equity & Opportunity
Community Connection
Pathways for Everyone
Wellbeing & Enjoyment

Recognised across the state and nationally for their trailblazing work, Frankston Basketball’s achievements include:

Inclusive Association of the Year – awarded twice by Basketball Victoria
Sports Initiative of the Year – awarded by Disability Sport & Recreation
Accessibility Champion Certification – from Disability Sports Australia
Home of Bell Ball – Australia’s first basketball program designed for people who are blind or have low vision

They continue. to break barriers, some of their recent milestone events include:

Come-and-Try Walking Basketball & Boccia Event: In partnership with Boccia Australia and Brain Injury Matters, FDBA hosted a special Come-and-Try day designed for individuals living with brain injuries. Participants enjoyed both Walking Basketball and Boccia in a supportive, social environment.
Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League (VWBL) Launch. –Basketball Victoria recently launched the Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League (VWBL). Frankston is proud to be one of six foundation teams competing in this exciting new competition.
Continuing Recognition & Growth – FDBA was recently awarded Inclusive Association of the Year by Basketball Victoria, recognising our leadership in making basketball a sport for all. Our All Abilities and Inclusion Programs continue to grow each season, now featuring competitions, training opportunities, and social events tailored to a wide range of participants.

Want to learn more or get involved with FBDA?

Send an email to Tanya at tanya.thomas@fdba.com.au and let her know what program you are interested in trying. She will organise a free trail for you. After having a try she will assist you sign up if you would like to continue.

Specialist Advisors Appointed To Keep Breaking Down Barriers

A group of six people are standing indoors in front of a bulletin board, posing together. One individual is holding a javelin, another is holding a volleyball, and another is holding a basketball. The group is dressed in a mix of casual and sports-themed clothing, including an Australia sports shirt, and they appear to be in an office or meeting space.

Australia’s progress in Para-sport is accelerating with the appointment of four Para Sport and Classification Advisors in institutes and academies across the country, supporting equity and excellence for athletes with disability. These specialist advisors, developed through partnership between Paralympics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission, and state-based Para Sport Units, will help streamline the classification process, provide education, and boost collaboration within the Para Uplift program under the High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy. They will work in key regions to increase accessibility, build community knowledge, and support both athletes and local sport providers, ultimately expanding opportunities and improving experiences for aspiring and elite Para-athletes across Australia.

Crisafulli Government announces Expert panel to shape the future of Para sport

The Queensland Government has appointed a new Para Reference Panel—made up of Paralympians, advocates, and high-performance experts—to advise on Para sport and accessibility as the state prepares for the 2032 Paralympic Games, now seven years away. This independent panel of six will use their knowledge and lived experience to help improve accessibility and opportunities in sport for people with disability across Queensland. The panel will play a key role in shaping the legacy and ensuring more Queenslanders with disability can be active and pursue sporting ambitions.

For full details and the original announcement, please see the official release below.

Queensland State Championships shine a light on hearing disability

The inaugural Deaf Bowls Queensland State Championships were recently held at Club Kawana, showcasing the skills of deaf and hearing-impaired athletes and raising awareness in the Queensland bowls community. Organised by Steve Faux, the championship aimed to provide bowlers with competition at their own level and to establish a legacy for Deaf Bowls Queensland. Russell Jackson won the event, followed by Peter Rookas and John Price. Faux hopes this will become an annual event, increasing inclusivity and breaking down cultural barriers. Many participants are now set to compete in the National Deaf Championships.

Teen soccer player Ruby Miller fundraising for Deaflympics debut

Ruby Miller, 17, is set to represent Australia in women’s deaf soccer at the upcoming Deaflympics in Japan, but must raise $10,000 to fund her trip since athletes pay their own way. Her family is running local fundraisers, including selling socks and wood, and seeking sponsorships.

Unlike Olympians and Paralympians, deaf athletes receive limited government support, so community donations and grants are essential for making participation possible. Ruby is determined to succeed despite the challenges and is training hard for the event.

A second chance at life sees siblings represent Australia at World Transplant Games

Emma, 18, and Jacob Evans, 20, share a powerful bond forged through a lifetime of illness. Born with a rare autoimmune condition that limited their life expectancy to just 30 years, the siblings spent much of their childhood in hospitals undergoing treatments and trials.

In 2020, Jacob received a groundbreaking transplant, with Emma following a year later. The procedures transformed their lives, giving them the chance at longer, healthier futures.

“These two incredible people have built resilience, have built coping skills, are each other’s best friends,” Steve Evans said.

Now, the pair are representing Australia at the World Transplant Games in Germany. They’ll team up in six-a-side soccer, while Emma also races in the 5km run and Jacob competes in golf.

Victoria Wheelchair Rugby Program Transitions to Wheelchair Rugby Australia

Wheelchair Rugby Victoria is now managed by Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA), marking a new chapter for the sport in the state. After four decades of leadership by Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR), the program’s transition to WRA reflects the sport’s growth and will streamline athlete development under a unified national framework.

WRA, recognised nationally and internationally for wheelchair rugby, will oversee all Victorian programs and work with DSR to keep building participation and opportunities. This move aligns Victoria with other states under WRA, delivering consistent pathways from grassroots to elite level.

Both organisations emphasise their shared commitment to inclusive sport and growth for wheelchair rugby athletes at all levels.

Paralympian and veteran join Play Well group to champion inclusion in sport

Large, bold yellow letters “ASC” are centered on a dark blue background, creating a simple and high-contrast design.

Former military member and Invictus Games competitor Rachel Kerrigan says sport has been life-changing for her — and she’s determined to help all Australians, especially those with disability, access the same life‑changing benefits.

“Sport gave me purpose, connection, and a way forward at a time when I needed it most,” said Kerrigan, now Senior Project Manager at Future Skills Organisation and an AI Inclusion Leader.

She is among ten specialists appointed to the newly formed Disability Sport Advisory Group (DSAG), created as part of the national Play Well Strategy.