Disability can affect anyone in the community.

It can be caused by disease, illness, hereditary conditions, or accident/injury and may include individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and/or other health related disabilities. Approximately 1 in 6 (18%, or 4.4 million) people in Australia have disability.

People with disability receive the same physical, mental and social benefits from participating in sport and physical activity as any other participant. However, the most recent results from AusPlay data show that adults who have disability participate in sport or physical activity less than adults who don't.

Sometimes, a person’s disability isn’t the major reason for not participating in sport. Some of the most common barriers reported include costs, transportation, knowledge or awareness and the lack of accessibility. An increased level of support may be needed for people with disability to be meaningfully included.