Provider Spotlight: Disability Sports Australia
Access to sport and physical activity is essential for everyone. But, for those who experience disability, those spaces are often less than inclusive.
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) provides opportunities for participants to access programs and supports in sports and exercise.
We spoke to the team to learn more about how the organisation impacts the community.
Tell us about your organisation…
DSA is a charity and one of Australia’s nine National Sporting Organisations for people with disabilities.
We aim to connect Australians with disabilities to grassroots active and adaptive opportunities through trusted programs like Abilities Unleashed, Sports Incubator, Building Inclusive Sport Clubs, and Accessibility Champion Course.
How did your organisation come to be?
Australian Athletes with a Disability Limited was formed in 2003 to represent the interests of its member disability sporting organisations. It was an ‘umbrella’ body for various organisations including:
- Australian Sports Organisation for the Disabled (ASOD)
- Cerebral Palsy Australian Sports and Recreation Federation (CPASRF)
- Wheelchair Sports Australia (WSA)
In 2013, the organisation changed its name to Disability Sports Australia to better reflect the organisation and its role within the Australian community as a peak national body.
Which regions does your organisation look after?
We support people with disabilities all around Australia.
What is your organisation’s difference in the market?
At DSA, we place ourselves as a connector organisation to grow disability grassroots participation pathways. We recognise that there are incredible organisations out there that support people with disabilities in being active.
We lean into this and collaborate with these organisations and others to advocate and develop more welcoming environments for people with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
What’s the best way for a participant to get in touch?
For a participant to get active, head to sports.org.au/get-active.
Additionally, if you head to our website, there are resources to help you if you are specifically a:
