05 Nov New member representative group – Participant Advisory Group

Inclusive Sport SA is pleased to announce the creation of a new initiative to foster better representation and a collaborative voice of people living with disability, with the formation of the Participant Advisory Group (PAG). The Group will comprise of six members with lived perspectives and experiences affecting people living with disability from the sport and recreation community in South Australia, with the aim to provide the necessary viewpoint and insight that is reflective of the needs and wants of those it is serving. Driven by the ethos that, all Australians should enjoy active participation in ordinary life, regardless of differing levels of ability , Inclusive Sport SA CEO John Cranwell said, “Engaging people living with disability and seeking insight around the development, implementation and promotion of inclusion initiatives, is at the very heart of what our organisation is setting out to achieve”. “It’s exciting to say the least. This Group will be made up entirely of people with lived experience of disability, with Inclusive Sport SA acting only in an administrative and assistance role.” More often than not, societal attitudes, practices and structures, rather than an individual’s impairment can restrict and prevent people with disability from participating in mainstream sport. With this in mind, PAG members will highlight sport’s participation positives and shortfalls and assist to enhance inclusive engagement opportunities for the benefit of the sector and the individual. The PAG is a key component of the Information, Linkages and Capacity Project funded by the NDIA and led by Katrina Ranford, General Manager Sector Engagement who will be the key support to the activities of the Group and attend all meetings. Commenting on the establishment of the Participant Advisory Group Katrina said, “We’re hoping this is a real game changer for people with disability and the sporting sector alike. As far as I am aware there is no other group that is available to sound board and provide this sort of insight specifically for the sport and recreation sector”. “People living with disability are half as likely to participate in sport and this initiative will make a huge difference in helping us get to the pointy end of why this is and how we can get more people with disability active in roles within community clubs.” Interested members who are currently participating in sport and recreation in an active playing or support role should nominate for the committee. A nomination pack, which includes an Application Guide, Nomination Form and PAG Terms of Reference, is available on the Inclusive Sport SA website. “We want members who are keen to exchange ideas and get more people living with disability into mainstream sport, as well as help remove obstacles that may prevent people from fully participating in their local sport environment,” John said. Moving forward, the PAG will assist in educating the greater disability community and provide insight into sport’s best practice in mainstream competitions; disability programs; promotional campaigns and subsequent feedback that will help with the success of the organisation’s Information, Linkages and Capacity Project. The Board and staff of Inclusive Sport SA would like to invite interested members to submit an application. Any questions regarding applications or requests for information in alternative formats, please contact Katrina – General Manager- Sector Engagement: kranford@inclusivesportsa.com.au Applications for the Participant Advisory Group close on Friday 23 November, with the first introductory meeting scheduled in December. For more information or to download an application form click HERE.