Building Inclusive Sports Clubs Module
These modules support sports organisations to become more inclusive, offering the knowledge and tools to ensure everyone—regardless of ability or background—feels welcome, respected, and valued.
Every person with disability has the right to access safe, welcoming and accessible sporting club environments
The Principles behind the Vision
At the heart of this program is a simple but powerful belief:
“Nothing about us without us.”
Our Approach
Disability Sports Australia and Victoria University recognise that sports clubs across Australia want to include people with disability—but may not always know where to begin.
That’s why we’ve partnered with the Australian Sports Commission to develop the Building Inclusive Sports Clubs Online Module Series.
These modules have been co-designed by women with lived experience of disability and are grounded in an intersectional approach. They ensure that the voices of people with disability are front and centre.
Our modules aim to:
-
Share strategies to help make your club more accessible for everyone.
-
Offer practical tools to recruit and support people with disability as employees, volunteers and participants.
-
Highlight the importance of advocacy and upholding the rights of people with disability across all areas of club activity.
By completing these modules, your club or organisation will be better equipped to create a more inclusive, welcoming environment where every person feels they belong.
The Issue
Unwelcoming Environments
Many people with disability experience sporting clubs as overwhelming or uninviting, often due to physical, social, or attitudinal barriers.
Employment Gaps
Employment opportunities within sport remain limited for people with disability, with little improvement in participation or representation.
Fear of Inaction
Clubs may hesitate to act out of fear of doing or saying the wrong thing—leading to inaction instead of inclusion.
What You Will Learn
The importance of using person-centred language.
The value of co-design and how it ensures programs are genuine and inclusive.
When and how to advocate effectively for and with people with disability.
How to be an active and supportive ally.
Practical strategies to improve participation for people with disability.
Why accessibility matters and how to prioritise it.
Real People, Real Experiences
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the individuals who generously shared their personal experiences, helping to inform the development of the Building Inclusive Clubs modules.
