Creating Accessible Sports and Fitness
Exercise is for everyone, but many gyms and sports clubs still have barriers that make it difficult for people with disabilities to participate. The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. By creating an inclusive environment, you can also grow your business, attract new members, and future-proof your club.
How Inclusive Gyms and Sports Clubs Make a Difference
Accessible and inclusive fitness means creating environments where people of all abilities can participate in exercise, sports, and recreational activities without barriers. This includes physical accessibility, such as ramps and adaptive equipment, but also social inclusion, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, supported, and encouraged to participate.
Inclusive fitness is important because exercise improves physical and mental health, fosters social connections, and boosts confidence—yet many people with disabilities struggle to access fitness spaces due to outdated facilities, lack of awareness, or programs that do not accommodate different needs.
Fitness should be for everyone, but many people with disabilities still face challenges when trying to access gyms and sports clubs. From physical obstacles to a lack of inclusive equipment and support, these barriers can make it difficult to feel welcome in fitness spaces.
The good news is that small, simple changes can make a big difference. By improving accessibility, offering adaptive equipment, modifying rules where needed, and training staff in disability awareness, gyms and sports clubs can create truly inclusive environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to participate.
More than just ticking boxes, inclusive fitness is about building a welcoming community where people of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of movement, connection, and belonging. Making fitness accessible does not just benefit individuals—it strengthens clubs, expands membership, and creates a healthier, more inclusive society.
Simple Steps for Gyms to Be More Accessible
- Provide clear access – Ensure there are ramps, automatic doors, and wide pathways so people using mobility aids can move around easily.
- Offer adaptive equipment – Adjustable weights, hand cycles, and seated resistance machines can make workouts accessible for different abilities.
- Train staff in inclusion – Educate trainers on disability awareness and how to modify exercises for different needs.
- Create sensory-friendly spaces – A quiet workout area with dimmed lighting can help people with sensory sensitivities feel more comfortable.
- Make information easy to read – Use large fonts and plain language in gym signage and class schedules.
How Sports Clubs Can Be More Inclusive
- Modify rules when needed – Simple adjustments, like allowing a second bounce in tennis or a rolling start in running, can help more people join in.
- Provide inclusive equipment – Have different ball sizes, lightweight bats, and visual or audible aids available.
- Encourage volunteer support – Train team officials, umpires, and volunteers to provide assistance when needed.
- Create an inclusive culture – Promote diversity in advertising and welcome players of all abilities.
- Make venues physically accessible – Ensure paths, seating, and bathrooms are designed for everyone.
Inclusion Benefits Your Gym or Sports Club
Making your gym or sports club more inclusive is not just the right thing to do—it is also a smart business decision. Here is why:
- A growing market – More than 4.4 million Australians have a disability, yet only 24 percent participate in sport and exercise compared to 79 percent of the general population. By creating an inclusive space, you can tap into a large, underserved market.
- Attract more members – Many people with disabilities are looking for a welcoming gym or sports club but struggle to find one. By being inclusive, you become the go-to fitness option for people who need accessible services.
- Retain members for longer – An inclusive gym or club fosters loyalty and long-term engagement, as members feel welcomed and supported.
- More funding opportunities – Government grants, disability support programs, and sponsorships are available for clubs that promote accessibility. This can help reduce costs and improve facilities.
- Community goodwill – Demonstrating inclusivity improves your club’s reputation, increasing positive word-of-mouth recommendations and community support.
- Future-proofing your business – Accessibility is not a trend, it is the future of fitness. As more people seek inclusive services, ensuring your facility is accessible will keep your business competitive.
Making your gym or sports club more inclusive not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also strengthens your organization by attracting a broader membership base and fostering community goodwill. For gyms and sports clubs in regional Victoria and border communities seeking to enhance their inclusivity, several local and state-level organizations offer valuable support and resources.
Where to Find Help for Inclusive Sports and Gyms
Local Support in Bendigo, Ballarat, and Mildura
-
City of Greater Bendigo – Fair Access Policy
This policy helps local sports and recreation organisations identify and address barriers to participation, aiming to attract more participants, including players, volunteers, and officials.
bendigo.vic.gov.au -
City of Ballarat – Fair Access to Sport and Recreation Facilities
The City of Ballarat is developing a Fair Access Policy to improve access to community sports infrastructure, ensuring equitable participation opportunities for all community members.
mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au -
Mildura Rural City Council – Equitable Access and Usage for Community Sports Infrastructure Policy
The Mildura Rural City Council has implemented the Equitable Access and Usage for Community Sports Infrastructure Policy to promote gender equality in access to sports facilities. This policy ensures that all community members have equitable opportunities to participate in sports and recreation activities. https://www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Community
State-Level Support in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia
-
Access for All Abilities (AAA) – Victoria
A Victorian Government programme supporting inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities for over 15 years.
sport.vic.gov.au -
Disability Sports Australia (DSA)
A national organisation promoting sport and recreation for people with disabilities, with member organisations in New South Wales and South Australia offering inclusive programmes across various sports.
sports.org.au -
Sport Inclusion Australia
Works with sports clubs and organisations to improve access and opportunities for people with disabilities, offering resources and support to enhance inclusivity.
sportinclusionaustralia.org.au -
Sport4All
A programme dedicated to enhancing inclusivity in sports by supporting local sporting clubs, schools, and communities to embrace diversity and create opportunities for people with disabilities.
sport4all.com.au -
Regional Sports Assemblies (RSAs) – Victoria
RSAs provide direct support and advice to clubs, assist with state and national projects, and build networks and partnerships to promote inclusivity in sports across various regions, including the City of Greater Bendigo and Mildura.
regionalsportvictoria.org.au
By collaborating with these organisations, gyms and sports clubs in regional Victoria and border communities can access the guidance and resources needed to create more inclusive environments, benefiting both their organisations and the broader community.
Lifely’s All Abilities Sport and Exercise Programs
Lifely’s All Abilities Sport and Exercise programs in Bendigo and Mildura are designed to break down barriers to participation. Our programs welcome people of all ages and abilities, whether they are new to sport or looking to compete at higher levels.
- Netball for All – Held weekly at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo, this program offers skills training and modified games for people of all abilities.
- Basketball for All – A social and skills-based basketball program at the Mildura Hothouse, designed to be fun, supportive, and inclusive.
- Dancing for All – Adaptive dance and movement sessions in Mildura that cater to a wide range of abilities.
Our programs are accessible to everyone—no NDIS plan or special funding is required to join. Thanks to support from the Victorian Government, we keep fees low, ensuring affordability while covering costs like venue hire and insurance.
Lifely also provides community support workers who can assist people with disabilities in accessing gyms, pools, and fitness classes. Support can be funded through NDIS, helping people build confidence and independence in fitness and sport.
Willing to Work with Local Gyms and Sporting Groups
Lifely is passionate about making sport and exercise accessible for all. We know that many gyms and sporting clubs want to be more inclusive but may not know where to start.
We are happy to share our expertise and experience with local gyms and sporting organisations in Bendigo, Mildura, and surrounding regions. Whether it is advice on modifying programs, making facilities more accessible, or training staff to better support people with disabilities, we are here to help.
If you run a gym or sporting club and would like to learn more about how you can be more inclusive, we would love to chat.
For more details, call 1300 799 421. Let’s make fitness accessible for everyone.
