It’s amazing how we can relate the saying “Where there’s a will there’s a way” to disability services. As a service provider we’re always looking for ways to modify, adapt or change things to ensure we're providing the best possible service. And we are constantly asking others to do the same to promote acceptance and inclusion.

I was at the launch of International Day of People with Disability in Sydney earlier this month, where I met a number of inspiring and talented people. It’s amazing how many programs and services are out there for people with a disability, in a variety of contexts, and it was also incredible to watch a number of people perform and do things that I have had no experience in.

With so many services in the sector, there is a great potential for organisations and individuals to partner together to increase the opportunities for people with disability.

An example of this is a group my service is involved in called Sports 4 All. This group of service providers and individuals have come together to create greater opportunities for people with disability by enabling access to sporting competitions based on ability.

We’re proud to be involved in the program which covers both metropolitan and regional NSW and includes various activities for participants, such as FUTSAL (indoor soccer), softball, ten pin bowling and basketball. We’re planning more activities across a number of other regions too.

Sports 4 All focuses more on the needs and wants of individuals rather than whether they can perform at an elite level. Sports are chosen by participants and the program is a perfect example of providing opportunities, no matter what people’s abilities are - it’s all about having a go!

At the service I work in, we’re ultimately striving to provide as many opportunities as possible when it comes to sport and recreation for people with a disability. We’re always looking to support our participants in any way possible to help create an inclusive world.

I’d like to tell you about a young man whose love of sport has led him to volunteer his time with our service. Since leaving school a few years ago Brenton (pictured below) has assisted my staff and I two days a week, to teach a variety of sporting skills and drills to primary aged school students with a disability, in our BlueScope Steel Sports Ready Program. He is able to work hands on as a sports facilitator, which is something he has wanted to do for a long time.

Brenton is able to learn meaningful and relevant workplace skills through involvement in something he is passionate about – sport.

Brenton has down syndrome and dyspraxia, however this has not stopped him following his passions and he participates regularly in rugby league, basketball and soccer at state level.

I am extremely proud to have seen him build and improve his confidence and skills through working with our program. Not only have his skills increased, but his involvement has also boosted the skills of both myself and the staff he works with. We are learning new ways to communicate with Brenton, and his patience is always tested as we ask him to spell out what he is trying to say through signing.

Brenton’s help with the program is greatly valued, and I encourage other service providers to do the same in whatever way they can. As I am writing this, Brenton has just returned from a day out at the program. I ask him what he thinks the best part of volunteering with us is and he replies that it is "just being a part of the team".