Disability sport and recreation: finding an activity that fits
Our Guide to Sport, Fitness, and Entertainment
By Tristram Peters · Originally published 18 December 2017
Choose the experience before choosing the program
Ask yourself whether you want competition, learning a skill, company, creativity or simply a change of scene. Contact an organiser about the activity level, venue, equipment, transport and assistance. Ask whether a trial or shorter visit is possible and how you can change your mind.
Check current costs and availability. Separate ordinary membership or activity expenses from eligible disability assistance under current NDIS support rules. An exercise class and a clinical therapy service are not interchangeable.
Original article and dated context
Tristram Peters is a writer, editor, and disability advocate with a keen passion for sport. He recently represented Australia at the powerchair football world cup and sits on the sport’s executive board for the Asia Pacific Oceania zone. Most importantly, he’s part of the Clicka-family!
Anyone who’s ever met me knows that I love sport. Geez, even if you don’t know me, you’ll learn it quickly enough, thanks to that well-worn rugby jersey I’m always wearing or those unsubtle sports metaphors I’m constantly throwing down.
Simply, I watch and play sport religiously. (I’ve even written about it for Clickability, here, here, and here.) I’m addicted, but it’s a healthy addiction, encouraging exercise, teamwork and more.
Why do I love sport? Paradoxically, it’s not about the sport. Weird, right? Hear me out! It’s about the sense of belonging, of being in a group of like-minded people. Sport ticks the boxes for me, but it could just as likely be arts or a different social activity for you.
So, what’s out there and where should you look? Never fear, we’ve prepared this mega-guide to the world of sports, fitness, arts, and more. As Andrew Grant recently wrote for us, the knack is to find something that suits you – and to jump in headfirst.
We have a number of listings that feature a bonanza of different, accessible activities. For example, House with No Steps, Inclusion Melbourne, Kirinari all offer programs where you’ll undertake activities you might never have thought possible, including sailing, rock climbing and more.
However, if camping’s more your scene, you could check out YMCA Camping Escapes and People Outdoors to plan that camping adventure of a lifetime. (Let me come too?!)
Fitness!? Exercise!? Well, with Christmas fast approaching, I know I’ve gotta start looking after myself. (Christmas cake being my particular weakness…)
Many of the service providers in the sport and rec section (scroll back up!) also offer swimming and related activities if that’s more your cup of tea.
If you’re looking for something a little more leisurely, and simply want to connect with like-minded people, there are a number of lifestyle programs, with a range of varying activities.
All offer various creative or artistic pursuits, where you’ll be able to develop skills of your choice.
Play ball!
(Excuse the sports metaphor… I did warn you.) And that’s it! Whether you’re interested in sport, recreation, fitness, exercise or entertainment, we’ve got you covered. Never be worried about enquiring – we’re here to help!
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Support the preference rather than completing an activity checklist
Ask what the person wants to try and how much help they would like contacting the organiser. Avoid assuming that a sport suits everyone with the same diagnosis. Plan a practical way to leave or pause, and recognise that a quiet or creative activity may meet their goal better than competitive sport.
