Australian disability sport advocate to chair global session on community sport and inclusion in Vienna.
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) will contribute Australian leadership to the global disability and inclusion agenda this February, with Frances Quan Farrant, DSA’s Manager of Strategic Impact, invited to chair a featured session at the Zero Project Conference 2026 in Vienna.
On 19 February, Frances will chair the session “Golf, rugby, athletics: building community through sport”, which will examine how community-level sport can strengthen connection, belonging and participation for people with disability.
The session brings together international examples of inclusive sport delivered at the grassroots level, with a focus on practical approaches that can be adapted across different systems and communities.
Frances’ role as session chair reflects Disability Sports Australia’s contribution as a convener and agenda contributor, moving beyond participation to helping shape global conversations on inclusive community sport.
The Zero Project Conference is one of the world’s leading international forums on disability, accessibility and innovation, convening governments, non-government organisations, researchers, business leaders and advocates from across the globe to share policy, practice and system-level solutions.
DSA Chief Executive Officer Ayden Shaw said the invitation reflects Australia’s growing reputation for leadership in inclusive sport systems.
“Disability Sports Australia’s focus is on participation at the community level, where most people with disability want to be active and involved.
Frances chairing this session reflects the value of Australia’s experience in inclusive sport delivery and our role in contributing to global conversations that can inform practice at home.”
Frances Quan Farrant said the session aligns closely with DSA’s work across schools, clubs and communities.
“Community sport plays a critical role in creating connection and belonging. When sport is designed to be inclusive from the outset, it benefits not only people with disability, but the broader community.
This session provides an opportunity to share practical insights and learn from others working in this space internationally.”
DSA’s engagement at the Zero Project Conference forms part of its broader systems leadership approach, ensuring international advocacy and awareness efforts support improved access, participation and inclusion for Australians with disability.
Learn more about the conference:
https://zeroproject.org/conferences/zero-project-conference-2026
ENDS
Media contact:
Ayden Shaw
CEO
Disability Sports Australia
[email protected]
About Disability Sports Australia:
Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national non-profit, registered charity, and National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, dedicated to increasing participation in grassroots sport.
For over 60 years, DSA has been at the forefront of disability sport in Australia, starting with wheelchair sports and continually expanding opportunities for people with disability across the country. Today, DSA is disability-agnostic, focusing on building the capability of sports organisations to ensure inclusive and accessible opportunities for people with disability.
Our goal is to raise awareness of the positive impact sport can have, remove barriers to participation, and build a future where sport is inclusive for all Australians.
