1 in 5 Australians are living with disability. It can be daunting for parents, educators, and activity providers to think about how to engage children with a disability in outdoor play. We recommend you ask questions, because every disability is different and nobody knows what they need better than the individual living with the disability. A little understanding and flexibility can provide opportunities that help to enrich the lives of these children, and ensure they don't miss out.

Persons with a disability include individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, and/or other health related disabilities. Australians of all abilities should have access to sport and physical activity opportunities.

Relevant Information

All Abilities Queensland: Opportunities For All

The Queensland Government is building an inclusive Queensland where every person, including the one in five Queenslanders who have a disability, can thrive and reach their full potential as equal citizens.

All Abilities Queensland: Opportunities For All is the state disability plan for 2017-2020. It builds on the progress already made and guides how Queenslanders can work in partnership with Commonwealth and local governments, the corporate sector, non-government and community organisations, communities and individuals, to provide opportunities for all.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing individualised support for eligible people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. The NDIS is the insurance that gives us all peace of mind. Disability could affect anyone – having the right support makes a big difference.

Disability Action Week

Disability Action Week is held annually in September with the aim of empowering people with disability, raising awareness of disability issues, and improving access and inclusion throughout the wider community.

Disability Inclusion Fact Sheet

The Disability Inclusion Fact Sheet provides the outdoor recreation industry with introductory practical information to increase offerings for people with a disability.
 

Universal Design

Integrating the Principles into Camp Activities - Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV)

Developing Inclusive Camp Programs

This workshop introduced delegates to the Principles of Universal Design and their integration to camp program. The purpose of this approach is to enable all people, regardless of age or ability, to participate equally in the camp experience.

YMCA Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian State Government, are currently using a process to apply universal design principles and philosophy to design of camp programs, adventure activities, camp facilities and flexible teaching methods to create an inclusive camp environment.

Various case studies of universally designed camp activities were used to illustrate how adventure activities can be accomplished in multiple ways to meet the needs of a broad range of campers with different abilities.

Outdoor Activities for the Visually Impaired

Outdoor Activities For People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired - (American Blind Foundation)

36 Fun Summer Activities for Kids Who are Blind or Multiply Disabled - (Wonderbaby.org)

Outdoor Adaptations for Children Who Are Blind - (Our Everyday Life)

Games for Blind Boy Scouts & Cubs - (Inquiry.net)

Outdoor Activities for the Hearing Impaired

Inclusive Outdoor Games For Deaf Children - (Pentagon for Learning & Play)

Group Games For Deaf And Hearing Children - (SoundAdvice)

Games for Deaf Boy Scouts & Cubs - (Inquiry.net)