Sport Inclusion Community of Practice: incorporating sport and recreation into NDIS planning
About the Community of Practice. This Sport Inclusion CoP featured speakers who have experience working with people with disability to support them to access and participate in sport and recreation in Victoria. Jack Swift, who has recently joined Sport and Recreation from the NDIS covers a few key terms and the main ways people are managing their plans. Jack is joined by a variety of speakers providing an evidence base, practical examples and personal experiences of sport, recreation and the NDIS.
Sophie Lynch is an NDIS Mentor and supports people with disability to access sport and recreation utilising the NDIS. Sophie's Honours (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy completion Dec 2018) with Monash University and Disability Sport and Recreation focused on her own families experience of going through the NDIS planning process with her brother who has down syndrome and the inclusion of sport and recreation as reasonable and necessary in his plan.
Andrew Weiss is the proud father of 6-year-old Evie. Evie was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and today enjoys gymnastics, just like many other children. Andrew, a passionate advocate for the power of sport and recreation is now the Managing Director at My Sport Live (MSL) - a company that helps sporting organisations more effectively promote themselves. Recently MSL has partnered up with Disability Sport and Recreation to provide services to the DSR community. Andrew will provide a parent's perspective and experience on incorporating sport and recreation into a personal NDIS plan.
Brian Kirk brings both professional and personal experience to this session. Brian is currently the NDIS Business Advisor at ECIA VIC/TAS, assisting early childhood and community health organisations become business ready for the NDIS. He is also actively involved at Mentone Life Saving Club, having introduced Starfish Nippers (a modified nipper program for kids with special needs, developed by Anglesea SLSC) and overseas the clubs community swimming program. His 12 year old daughter Miranda’s NDIS plan includes funding to participate in the Starfish Nipper Program and a weekly pool swim session. Brian will provide some insights on the importance of preplanning and understanding the NDIS environment.
Veronica Treloar has been employed in the Community Sector for 33 years, managing and developing programs for community service organisation for people with disabilities, aged care, mental health and youth alternative education that have been funded by Federal & State government.
Having seen many changes in the sector professionally, Veronica has drawn on her experience and knowledge to support the community. As a volunteer with Williamstown Swimming & Lifesaving Club. Veronica coordinates the Starfish Nipper Program and has incorporated NDIS planning for each of its participants/families. Williamstown Swimming & Lifesaving Club is supporting Surf Life Saving Australia & Life Saving Victoria in the Disability Inclusion model, both have committed to providing greater access and opportunities for people with a disabilities to engage in surf lifesaving.