Help your school create sport programs where every student belongs.

School boards, P&Cs, sports committees and leadership teams play a key role in making sport inclusive. Your decisions about policy, funding, training and culture shape whether students with disability can participate fully.

• 1 in 6 Australians has disability — many are students in your school community
• Inclusive sport benefits everyone: it builds empathy, teamwork and confidence
• Small changes in policy or practice can remove big barriers to participation
• Schools have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide equal access

• Include disability inclusion in your school’s sport or wellbeing strategy
• Make “everyone belongs” a visible value in communications and events
• Celebrate inclusive participation, not just competition

Check your current policies for barriers:

• Are try-outs or team selections accessible to all students?
• Do uniforms allow for sensory needs or mobility aids?
• Is there a clear process for requesting adjustments or support?
• Are volunteers and coaches required to complete inclusion training?

Download :  Inclusive Sport Policy Checklist for Schools

• Budget for inclusive equipment (e.g., lighter balls, visual cues, sensory tools)
• Fund training for staff and volunteers on disability awareness
• Support students who need 1:1 assistance to participate

• Offer professional learning on inclusive coaching
• Share We Belong’s free resources with PE teachers and sports coordinators
• Create a point of contact for inclusion questions or concerns

• Ask students with disability what would help them join in
• Include families in planning for carnivals, teams or events
• Use feedback to improve programs year after year

• Add one agenda item: “How inclusive is our school sport program?”
• Assign a champion: Nominate a board member to lead inclusion actions
• Download one resource: Start with our [Inclusive Club Checklist] (adapted for schools)
• Plan one change: Pick one small, achievable improvement for this term

• [Inclusive Sport Policy Checklist] – Review your current policies
• [Funding Inclusive Sport: A Guide for Schools] – Ideas for budgeting and grants
• [Talking to Families About Inclusion] – Respectful communication tips
• [Visual Supports for School Sport] – How to use schedules and boards
• [Including Students with Sensory Needs] – Practical adjustments for PE and carnivals
• [Celebrating Participation] – Ideas for awards, assemblies and recognition

🎓 [Disability Awareness Online Course] – Free foundational learning for staff and volunteers

🎓 [Inclusive Sport Online Course] – Practical strategies for coaches and coordinators

🗣️ [Guest Speaking Program] – Invite a person with lived experience to speak to your board or staff

We can help your school board:

• Review your sport program for inclusion opportunities
• Connect with local disability organisations
• Adapt our resources for your school context
• Plan professional learning for staff

*Last updated: 20 May 2026 | All resources free to share with We Belong attribution