At Australian Athletics, we're on a mission to open up the world of athletics to everyone, regardless of ability. We believe that athletics is for everyone, and the Able with Athletics program is here to make that a reality.
This exciting initiative is all about breaking down barriers and creating welcoming, accessible pathways for children and young people with disabilities to participate in athletics. We know that the benefits of being active extend beyond the track, positively impacting physical, mental, and social well-being. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring every child has the chance to experience the thrill of athletics, no matter their background or ability.
Join us in expanding the horizons of athletics, raising awareness, and building a more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to shine!
Australian Athletics is proud to present Able with Next Athletics – a fun, inclusive program designed to bring the joy of athletics to kids with disability.
Built on the foundations of the National Next Athletics program, this version has been thoughtfully co-designed with disability partners to ensure every child - regardless of ability - can participate, learn, and have fun. Through engaging, games-based activities, students build confidence, develop fundamental movement skills, and experience the joy of athletics in a way that’s tailored to their needs.
Led by experienced and passionate coaches, each session is adapted to suit a variety of ability levels, creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
Schools can now host afully funded Able with Next Athletics pilot, supported by Australian Athletics through the Department of Social Services grant. Tailored for special schools and special education settings, this program is an exciting way to promote inclusion, physical literacy, and social connection through athletics.
How it works:
· Who it’s for: Special schools or mainstream school with special education units.
· When: After school hours, flexible 4-6 week program
· Where: On school grounds or a local sports oval.
· Cost: Fully funded – no cost to your school!
Find a club or explore state programs and events that are perfect for all abilities. Start participating in your local athletics community today!
The disability inclusion engagement survey is a crucial step in understanding and adapting to the needs of people with a disability and your input is invaluable in helping us design and improve opportunities in athletics for everyone. Please click the link below to take the survey.
Australian Athletics proudly presents the DI Education Series in collaboration with our disability sport partners and other sector leaders and experts. Supported by the Department of Social Services (DSS), this series aims to raise awareness and upskill coaches, clubs, volunteers, families and the broader athletics community through a range of online and in person learning opportunities, enhancing their confidence and capability to support participants and athletes with a disability.
Join us for an online workshop, delivered in partnership with Special Olympics Australia, diving deep into inclusive athletics delivery in schools, clubs and community athletics settings.
Date | Thursday 10 July 2025
Time | 6.00 - 8.00 PM (AEST)
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This webinar is in collaboration with Aspect Australia to explore how athletics events, competitions and programs can be adapted to better support autistic participants and their families. We’ll look at practical measures including sensory spaces, quiet zones, clear communication, wayfinding and signage, alongside broader social and environmental considerations that encourage participation.
Date | Wed 22 October 2025
Hosted by Australian Athletics and La Trobe University, this webinar will showcase the journey and learnings from the Able with Athletics program. We’ll also launch the Able with Athletics Delivery Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help MA's, clubs and centres deliver more inclusive and enjoyable first experiences in athletics to poeple with a disability.
Date | Thu 27 November 2025
Time | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (AEDT)
Location: Online via Teams (Register to receive the link)
The Athletics Learning Centre is home to a range of free courses to support accredited coaches with developing the knowledge and skills to create safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for athletes with disability. Explore the list below.
The Inclusive Sport Academy is an online platform by Special Olympics Australia designed to help coaches, teachers and community members improve the delivery of sport and physical activity for people with an intellectual disability and autism.
In Para-Athletics, classification groups eligible athletes with similar impairments to allow for a fair and even playing field. Full information on national classification, impairment groups, and eligibility can be found below.
The Paralympic program provides opportunities to compete in paralympic and non-paralympic pathways as athletes develop and progress through their journey in athletics.
“Para” means alongside. This is the broad term used to identify people with a disability or an impairment within sport.
Australian Athletics and our Disability Inclusion partners are always there providing support and connecting people with a disability to opportunities in athletics!
