NDIS adaptive and accessible sports

It’s well-known that sports and recreation can enhance our physical, mental and social well-being. And for people with disability, sport accessibility has come a long way, with many opportunities to participate and get more active. Adaptive and accessible sports have been especially modified to accommodate mobility, cognitive or visual impairments.

But what types of adaptive sports are there, how can you get involved and what resources are available to support you? Keep reading to find out.

What are adaptive sports? 

Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports for people with disability and usually run parallel with typical sport activities. It’s not uncommon for sporting organisations to provide modified versions of sports for their junior program to make the sport more inclusive, safe and fun for younger players. Modifying sport to include people with disability is no different. 

In many situations, people with disability can be included in sport with no modifications at all. In other situations, minor modifications such as a change in a rule or piece of equipment may be needed. Sometimes, major modifications are necessary, particularly for people with high support needs.  

What adaptive and accessible sports can you play? 

Many sports today have adapted programs and equipment to accommodate people with a range of disabilities. What you choose to play will depend on your interests, physical or cognitive abilities, and goals. Some of the more popular adaptive sports include: 

  • Wheelchair Basketball: A fast-paced sport played by people who use wheelchairs. 

  • Wheelchair Rugby: A physically demanding contact sport for individuals who use wheelchairs. 

  • Adapted Tennis: A racket sport that can be played by people with various disabilities, including physical and visual impairments. 

  • Sitting Volleyball: A version of volleyball played by people who are unable to stand. 

  • Para-Cycling: A sport adapted to cyclists with disability or additional needs. 

  • Para-Equestrian: A sport that involves horseback riding for individuals with disability, including physical and visual impairments. 

  • Adaptive Surfing: May need extra assistance, an adapted surfboard or specialised equipment. 

  • Goalball: A team sport specifically designed for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 

  • Adaptive swimming: May include a range of modifications, such as the use of special flotation devices or prosthetics, or changes to the rules of the sport. 

These are just a few examples of the many adaptive and accessible sports available. It’s best to check with local disability organisations or sports clubs to find out what adaptive sports are available in your area. 

Where can you play? 

In Australia, adaptive sports can be played at many organisations and facilities, such as sporting clubs and community sport centres.  The Australian Paralympic Committee and Blind Sports Australia also offer a range of adaptive sports programs. 

Many rehabilitation Centres and hospitals have therapeutic recreation programs that offer adaptive or accessible sport activities. 

Other organisations who may be able to help include: 

Your local community centre and disability organisations should be able to tell you what adaptive sports are available in your area. 

Can you get adaptive sport and equipment covered by your NDIS funds? 

In short, yes. The NDIS can fund supports and equipment to help you access sports and recreation activities with your disability. Funding falls under the Core budget category in your NDIS plan. 

These supports must be included in your plan for you to access them, if you would like these supports added to your NDIS plan or you're unsure if they're already included in your plan, speak with your 'My NDIS contact'. 

Some of the supports the NDIS can fund include: 

  • Specialised sporting equipment or modification of equipment 

  • Assistance building skills to participate in sport and recreation 

  • Personal assistance to participate in recreational activities 

  • Transport to and from activities 

  • Cost of a support worker.

The funding available to you will depend on your individual goals, and the modifications you need to access sport and recreational activities. However, there are limits to what the NDIS will fund. For instance, funding for equipment usually only happens at entry level, not to facilitate you participating at professional or competition level. 

Other things the NDIS tends not to fund include: 

  • Costs associated with participating in sports, such as entry fees, and registration or membership fees 

  • General equipment associated with an activity, such as clothing or sport-related equipment (like a ball) that isn’t specifically related to your disability 

  • If you’re a parent, supports for your child to participate in sport or recreation that you’re normally expected to provide assistance with 

Need help understanding what funding can be used towards adaptive sports in your NDIS plan? 

As leading providers for NDIS plan management, our team can support you to understand your funding and the options available to you. 

Learn more about NDIS plan management with Plan Partners today