Access for All Abilities
Access for All Abilities is a Victorian Government initiative coordinated by Sport and Recreation Victoria.
It’s the only sport and recreation program of its type in Australia.
For over 10 years the program has, and continues to support and develop inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with a disability throughout Victoria.
Mums, dads, kids, families, friends, seniors, carers, clubs, sporting associations, leisure centres and disability groups can also get involved.
Everyone benefits from Access for All Abilities.
Not only are there health and wellbeing benefits but there are opportunities to meet new people, make new friends, learn new skills, have fun, or even build a whole new sporting career.
Clubs working in partnership with Access for All Abilities can increase memberships and participation, and sporting competitions can enjoy more diversity. This will promote greater levels of inclusiveness, liveability, improved health and a stronger sense of belonging in local communities.
Other benefits for clubs include attracting new volunteers, officials and spectators and enhancing the clubs profile within the community.
Access for All Abilities providers
Access for All Abilities providers are professionals working at a community level to develop inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people of all abilities. Access for All Abilities providers promote and encourage a range of sport and recreation opportunities across the state from basketball to cricket, walking, Australian Rules football, soccer, sailing, and lawn bowls.
Access for All Abilities providers can offer you:
- A variety of ideas and contacts to get you active and involved
- Links to organised activities at local facilities
- Timely and up to date advice on the latest sport and recreation opportunities in your area
- Pathways to sport and recreation opportunities right up to an elite level
- Opportunities to be trained and undertake roles to coach, umpire and volunteer
Access for All Abilities providers can offer local clubs:
- Assistance in attracting and retaining people with a disability. Insight into the sport and recreation interests of people with a disability in the area
- Grant information and support with applications
- Disability awareness training for coaches, officials and volunteers
- Advice on how to make your club more accessible and inclusive
- Promotion of inclusive programs and opportunities
How can you participate?
You don’t need to be a star athlete or be into competitive sport to be active. There are dozens of sport and recreation activities you can get involved in that aren’t competitive.
You can become involved by:
- Participating in the game or activity
- Coaching
- Cheering and supporting
- Volunteering
- Umpiring
Who do I contact?
Access for All Abilities providers work in all Victorian local council areas.
Access for All Abilities providers work in partnership with local sporting clubs, State Sporting Associations, sport and recreation organisations, community health, education, government, disability organisations and community groups.
Access for All Abilities providers can link you up with a range of sport and recreation options, whether it’s through organised programs or recreational activities.
If you’d prefer to ditch the ball park for the bike path, or the soccer field for the footpath, or you would like to improve your fitness, become a better athlete, or meet new people contact your local Access for All Abilities provider. View the list of Access for All Abilities provider contacts (PDF 572 kb) or (Word 117 kb) or access contact details via the Find a sporting organisation section of this website.
The Access for All Abilities brochure (PDF 1133 kb) or (Word 100 kb) provides information on what Access for All Abilities can do for you.
For more information on Access for All Abilities contact:
Community Access Unit
Sport and Recreation Victoria
Department of Planing and Community Development
Phone: (03) 9208 3333
Email: info@sport.vic.gov.au
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)
On December 3 every year, International Day of People with Disability is celebrated worldwide recognising the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
The Day brings together people with disability and the general community and aims to:
- showcase the skills, abilities, contributions and achievements of people with disability
- promote a positive image of people with disability
- involve people with disability and the broader community in activities to celebrate and raise awareness of the Day.
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