Engaging in inclusive sports and recreational activities is important for developing social connections, improving physical and mental wellbeing, and enhancing the overall quality of life for people with disability.
So how can you unlock opportunities for active engagement and community involvement?
Let’s look at some ways to empower NDIS participants and their families to access inclusive sports clubs and communities with NDIS funding.
This content was developed in collaboration with Sporting Wheelies, a not-for-profit organisation based in Queensland focused on providing inclusive sports, recreation, and rehabilitation therapy.
The benefits of sport for health
The research shows that people with a disability are often less likely to be more physically active than other members of the community.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that 65% of adults aged 18-65 with a disability and 83% of older adults (aged 65 and over) with a disability are not sufficiently active.
The benefits of sport include:
- Improved physical health
- Improved mental health
- Increased social interactions
- Increased inclusion and participation
- Opportunities for skill development
- Improved quality of life, independence and daily functioning
To combat this, organisations like Sporting Wheelies are creating opportunities for people to participate in sport to help improve their health.
Can NDIS funding be used for sporting goals?
The answer is YES if it aligns with your participant’s plan goals!
Funding for sporting activities is included under social and recreational support. This can either fall under Capacity Building or Core Supports:
- Capacity Building – Community participation activities (09_011_0125_6_3)
- Core – Community social recreation activities/group and centre based activities (04_102_0136_6_1)
How can the NDIS support active goals
Approval for NDIS funds for sport starts with creating goals in your participants NDIS plan that are clearly aligned to sport and physical activities.
Some examples of goals include:
- I want to engage recreationally in sport
- I want to engage socially with my peers and community
- I want to build my capacity for my interactions with peers
- I want to build my skills
- I want to increase my independence
- I want to continue to develop my social and communication skills
- I want to continue to participate in social and sporting activities
What can be funded by the NDIS?
Examples of some of the items that the NDIS may fund include:
- Social and community sports
- Training for instructors or coaches
- Short term support to help build skills
- A support worker
- Transport
- Personal care
- Assistive technology
- Special equipment such as sports wheelchairs
- Equipment modifications
However, there are a few things that can’t be funded by the NDIS. These include:
- Gym or sports club memberships
- Standard equipment
- Uniforms or clothing
- Entry and registration fees
- Participation in activities at a professional or elite level
You will notice that the NDIS funding categories are related to community participation and group participation at the community level.
So, remember to keep this in mind when requesting NDIS funding.
Organisations like Sporting Wheelies can assist in writing letters of support for funding requests in future NDIS plans.
You can also reach out to MyIntegra with any questions on 1800 696 347 for Plan Management or 1300 937 187 for Support Coordination.
Australia’s first ever para clubhouse constructed by Sporting Wheelies
Sporting Wheelies are currently constructing Australia’s first ever para clubhouse in Queensland designed to create opportunities and pathways for community interaction.
The centre will bring together world-class rehabilitation, allied health, support services and sports.
It will be an inclusive sports hub supporting people with a disability to get active, have fun and catch up with friends.
Find out more about Sporting Wheelies here.
Still want to learn more?
You can watch a recording of the webinar we hosted presented by Sporting Wheelies here.
If you have any other questions about how to help your participants get the most out of their funds to help achieve their goals, contact us today on 1800 676 347 or call the Support Coordinator hotline on 1300 769 608.
