Sport and recreation is one of
the best tools in society to teach
social norms, rules and teamwork,
increase health and fitness,
encourage social connections and
build inclusive communities.
what a person living with disability ‘can’t do’ or they are
afraid of offending the person. We have found that one
simple step can help to reduce that barrier, and that is
taking a person-centred approach by being friendly and
welcoming to all people and working with them to learn
more about their barriers. Avoidance of what makes us
uncomfortable is not a reason to exclude people from
participating in sport and recreation.
What are the top three issues facing the disability
sector?
I believe that the NDIS as a single issue is creating
such change that it exceeds any other issue that might
be in the sector. The NDIS is about choice and control
for the individual and about how mainstream services can
be better utilised to support people living with disability.
This is where community sport and recreation can be
vital. However, as the NDIS is rolled out it will create
issues and opportunities not seen before and sector will
need to be ready, educated and willing to include all
people.
If you were Prime Minister for the day, what one thing
would you do to benefit people with disability?
I think I would try to implement a system that allows
the two major political parties to work together with
long-term ideas and outcomes in mind. Too often a good
program, investment or idea to support people living with
a disability can be caught up in the ‘politics’ rather than
focussing on the outcomes. It would just be good to have
politicians work together for the good of the community
rather than be focussed on the next election.
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