Progress in Play: The Future of Inclusive Sport
Webinar recording and resources
Watch the full recording
Relive the full Progress in Play: The Future of Inclusive Sport webinar, held on the International Day of People with Disability 2025. This 90-minute national discussion brought together lived-experience voices, community leaders, and sector partners to explore how sport systems, clubs, and organisations can embed inclusion beyond participation.
Overview
Speakers
Our panel represented a cross-section of the sport system, bringing lived experience, research expertise and on-ground perspectives from community organisations.
Dr Katherine Raw
Senior Lecturer, Deakin University | Senior Research Fellow, Australian Sports Commission
Joel Emmett
Inclusive Design Consultant, Get Skilled Access
James Catterall
Social Policy and Sport Planner, City of Salisbury
Sam Cawdron
Game Development Manager, Baseball Queensland
Johnny Boland
State Manager VIC/TAS/SA, Sport4All
Alex Woodward
Sport4All Inclusion Coach, City of Darwin, NT
Ruve Kent
Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Rockhampton, QLD
Ankit Singh
Marketing Manager - Sport4All and Get Skilled Access
Key Insights
- Inclusion is a shared journey, not a destination: Progress comes from everyday actions, listening, and learning across all levels of sport.
- Representation matters: When people with disability lead conversations and decisions, inclusion becomes part of how sport operates, not an add-on.
- Small changes make a big difference: From accessible communication to volunteer pathways, practical adjustments build trust and participation.
- Collaboration drives momentum: Councils, schools, clubs, and local champions play a critical role in removing barriers and building inclusive systems.
- Fun is fundamental: True inclusion starts when everyone, regardless of background or ability, feels sport is a place to belong and enjoy.
Resources shared during the Webinar
Australian Sports Commission – Play Well Strategy
Australian Sports Commission – Win Well Strategy
Get Skilled Access – Tennis Accessibility Guide
Play by the Rules – Inclusive Sport Resources
Baseball Queensland – Junior Handbook
Baseball Australia – Sporting Schools
2025 DISA Forum: Belonging in Sport
Webinar FAQ's
Yes – try these practical accessibility checkers and directories:
Start by completing the free Sport4All online training, which helps clubs and schools understand barriers, identify opportunities, and take practical first steps toward inclusion. You’ll receive an Action Plan tailored to your community’s needs.
Not necessarily. Many changes start with attitude and awareness, from improving communication and volunteer training to reviewing club policies and ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Yes, please do. This webinar and the linked resources are designed to support anyone working to make sport more inclusive. You can share the recording page freely with colleagues, community partners, or local clubs.
Feedback highlights
Feedback from attendees reflected the impact and practicality of the discussion:
-
“So much of what was shared was relatable and actionable – a real reminder that small changes create big shifts.”
-
“It was great hearing lived experience voices side by side with local government and sport sector representatives.”
-
“The examples shared today will help us start conversations in our own communities.”
100% of respondents said they found the content relevant to their work, and over 95% rated the session as valuable or highly valuable for their professional or community role.
