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With a focus on inclusive exercise and physical activity for everyone, AUSactive has secured recognition from the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability (ASAPD) 
through their Sector Partner Endorsement Program.

ASAPD is a collaboration between the National Sporting Organisations for People with a Disability (NSOD’s) that has been established with the support of the Australian Sports Commission.

ASAPD represents nine member organisations comprising: Boccia Australia, Blind Sports Australia, Deaf Sports Australia, Disability Sport Australia, Disabled Wintersport Australia, Riding for the Disabled, Sport Inclusion Australia, Special Olympics Australia and Transplant Australia.

AUSactive Chief Executive Barrie Elvish said the ASAPD recognition was an important alignment and was part of the association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy to make exercise and physical activity more access for all corners of the Australian community.

Elvish noted “AUSactive is passionate about inclusive exercise and physical activity and through our DEI Strategy we are making concerted efforts to broaden our scope to reach and inspire all Australians to be more active.

“By breaking down barriers to fitness, our vision is a future where all members of the community can exercise side by side. The ASAPD partnership is one part of our DEI Strategic commitment and as a leading alliance within the disability sector representing eight member organisations, we are extremely honoured by the recognition.”

ASAPD Chief Executive Dr Phil Hamdorf said the partnership with AUSactive highlighted the valuable contribution the exercise and active health sector can make to enhance access and participation for individuals living with a disability.

“As an alliance of passionate advocates and organisations, we collaborate to break down barriers and ensure equal access for people of all abilities.

“We welcome the partnership with AUSactive as it will help increase sector engagement at a grassroots level and reach more people within our community.

“Ultimately the goal is to foster a positive and inclusive culture within the community and we know by working with organisations, such as AUSactive, this can be achieved.”

As part of the DEI Strategy, AUSactive is also in the process of becoming a registered NDIS provider to ensure it can fully support its members to work with people with a disability and deliver Personal Training services.

Elvish added "by offering comprehensive training modules and supporting our members’ future work under the NDIS, we are deepening our commitment to inclusivity and helping participants to improve their health and wellbeing.

“AUSactive is embarking on this NDIS provider journey because inclusivity lies at the heart of our mission. We firmly believe that everyone should have equal access to exercise opportunities, empowering them to lead active, fulfilling lives.

“Regular physical activity has profound benefits to our physical and mental health, particularly as people with a disability often face barriers to exercise, leading to lower fitness levels, higher rates of overweight and obesity, and increased likelihood of experiencing mental health challenges compared to their peers.”

In the past 24 months, AUSactive members have been critical in the delivery of various programs in the promotion of diversity and inclusion. These programs, including All ABILITIES and VicHealth JumpStart, have provided opportunities for individuals with a disability to develop physical skills, social connections and confidence.

Through education and partnerships between disability service providers and AUSactive registered businesses, under both All ABILITIES and JumpStart, there have been significant opportunities to promote safe and effective group exercise participation for people with a disability.

For more information about AUSactive visit ausactive.org.au 

Images: Special Olympics Australia - one of the nine member organisations that ASAPD represents (top, credit: Special Olympics Australia) and ASAPD Chief Executive Dr Phil Hamdorf (below).

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