With the Paralympics kicking off on 6 March, it’s hard not to catch a little Paralympic fever. You might be watching incredible athletes and thinking, “I’d love to try something like that.”
Across Australia, modified sports (sometimes called adaptive or accessible sports) are growing through local clubs, ‘come and try’ days and community programs. Modified sport simply means the rules, equipment, environment or supports are adjusted so more people can participate in a way that works for them.
For some people, that might look like using a sports wheelchair or powerchair. For others, it might be small changes like a different ball, shorter game time, extra breaks, a support person on court or a more social format.
We had a chat with Rachel Willmer, a volunteer and advocate who supports inclusive sport in Australia. Rachel is the Director and Team Manager for the Australian Sliders (Australia’s national powerchair hockey team) and a team manager for a Brisbane-based powerchair football club.
Why inclusive sport matters.
For Rachel, being involved in inclusive sport has given her a “front-row seat” to see people with disability find a sense of belonging in spaces that might otherwise feel isolating. She remembers young players saying, “I’ve found my people,” or looking up to experienced athletes and thinking, “I want to be just like that when I’m older.”
“Being part of this world has shown me just how powerful and transformative sport can be. It’s never only about winning or losing… it’s about connection, belonging and seeing people discover themselves.”
Rachel Willmer speaks with the Australian Sliders team.
Removing barriers and changing mindsets.
Access is important, especially when it comes to suitable venues, equipment and the supports athletes can access. But Rachel also believes inclusion is about how we think.
“Removing barriers to sport isn’t just about access, it’s about mindset,” she says. That mindset includes:
- Challenging assumptions about what people with disability can do
- Creating welcoming programs where people feel safe to try
- Recognising that participation looks different for everyone.
The difference sport can make.
We also spoke with three of Australia’s dual international powerchair athletes. This year, they have the rare opportunity to compete at two World Cups: the Powerchair Hockey World Cup in Finland in May and the Powerchair Football World Cup in Argentina in October.
Here’s what they shared about how sport has shaped their lives on and off the court.
“If you had told twelve-year-old me, a shy kid who just wanted to play sports, that this would lead to a career, a passport full of stamps and a family, I wouldn’t have believed you. My biggest regret is not starting sooner. My advice is simple: don’t wait until you feel like an expert. Just show up. You might start out just looking for a game and end up finding your best friends, your confidence or a completely new direction in life.”
– Luke David.
“I simply wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t have the opportunity to play powerchair football or powerchair hockey. I never thought I’d represent my country in sport – so to do so, in front of family and friends, is something I will forever cherish. Give it a go and see what happens!”
– Tristram Peters.
“Powerchair football and powerchair hockey have significantly influenced my life. These sports have given me greater independence, a clear sense of purpose and a strong personal identity. Don’t be afraid to have a go. You don’t need to know everything before you start; just taking that first step is what matters, and you won’t regret it!”
– Santo Bongiovanni.
Will the NDIS fund it?
The NDIS may fund disability-related supports that help you participate in sport and recreation, if it aligns with your goals and meets the reasonable and necessary criteria. This is usually about the additional support you need because of your disability, not the everyday cost of the activity itself.
Depending on your needs, this may include:
- Support worker assistance during activities
- Transport to and from activities
- Support to build skills for participation
- Some specialised or modified equipment.
The NDIS usually won’t fund:
- Club membership, registration or game fees
- Standard clothing or general sports equipment that isn’t disability-specific
- Costs intended to support professional or elite competition rather than everyday participation.
Want a simple breakdown of what the NDIS may and may not fund for sport and activities? Read Sports activities: What will the NDIS fund?
Leap in! can help.
If being involved in sport is one of your goals, Leap in! can help you understand your NDIS Plan and the supports that may be available.
Call the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78 or visit our website to learn more about Leap in! plan management.
