Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is making strides towards a more inclusive and accessible future with the launch of its comprehensive strategic plan. This blueprint, meticulously designed, seeks to bridge the gap in Australia’s disability sports and active recreation landscape, ensuring that opportunities and resources are equally accessible to individuals of all abilities.
At the core of this strategic plan is DSA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a society that champions the physical, mental, and social well-being benefits that sports can offer to people with disabilities. The vision is clear: to create an environment that is not only diverse but also supportive, where barriers are dismantled, and every Australian with a disability can thrive through sports.
Chair of DSA, Dr. Phil Hamdorf, spoke passionately about the plan’s significance. “Our strategic plan represents a major leap forward, not just for Disability Sports Australia, but for the entire disability sports community in Australia. It’s a roadmap that envisions a future where sports serve as a catalyst for positive change and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.”
DSA’s General Manager, Ayden Shaw, aligned with this vision. “With this strategic plan, Disability Sports Australia is committed to a future where every Australian with a disability has the opportunity to lead an active life. We’ll be facilitating greater opportunities by nurturing adaptive programs and advocating for policy shifts and shifts in public perceptions surrounding disability sports.”
The pillars of this strategy are based on foundational principles:
- Advocacy: The organisation will continue to raise awareness about disability sports and advocate for increased accessibility and support in all sporting environments.
- People, Culture & Systems: The plan prioritises best practice and a positive environment where employees and internal stakeholders are empowered and valued.
- Programs and Delivery: DSA will focus on creating and developing evidence-based and inclusive pathways for individuals with disability to participate, engage, and remain involved in sports and active recreation.
- Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: DSA seeks to establish and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, sports organisations, and corporate entities, to drive positive change and secure the resources needed to support people with disability to be active.
- Financial Stability: DSA aims to diversify its revenue streams, reduce reliance on government funding and secure funding and resources for major projects.
This strategic plan illuminates a pathway towards an Australia where disability is not a limitation, but a call to action. By collaboratively working with the disability sports and active recreation sectors, DSA aspires to enable Australians with disabilities to embrace an active lifestyle. The goal is simple yet profound: to make more Australians with disabilities active more frequently, fostering a vibrant and inclusive sporting community for all.
Read the full article here.
Photo Courtesy Disability Sports Australia
Courtesy Disability Sports Australia