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  • ASAPD Sport and Disability Forum - Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations

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    Call for 3-Minute Research Presentations - EOI Guidelines

    Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability 2026 Conference

    We invite expressions of interest for a 3 minute research presentation showcase at the Alliance forum in Sydney on Friday 20th March, 2026.

    Selected presenters will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative, impactful, or emerging research that explores access, inclusion, participation, and equity in sport and active recreation for people with disabilities at this key industry forum.



    Who Can Apply:

    Academic and practice-based researchers, including honours/masters/PhD students from diverse disciplines related to disability, sport, recreation, health, or community development

    Presenters of all experience levels are welcome and we strongly encourage presenters with lived experience of disability to apply.


    Presentation Format:

    Duration: 3 minutes

    Visuals: One static slide (optional but encouraged)

    Delivery: In-person

    Focus: Clear, engaging summary of your research and implications for practice. Creative approaches are encouraged.

    Example Topics: Community-led initiatives and storytelling in research; Barriers to and enablers of participation in sport and recreation; Inclusive program design methodologies; Gender, culture, sexuality, age and disability intersections

    You can watch Megan Taylor presenting her research in a 3 Minute Thesis presentation here https://vimeo.com/749858975


    Selection Criteria for 3-Minute Research Presentations

    Relevance to Theme and Impact

    The topic clearly aligns with the theme of Disability Sport and Active Recreation. It highlights actionable recommendations or future policy, practice, or community engagement.

    Clarity of Research Focus

    The EOI presents a clear and concise summary of the research or project. Objectives, methods, and key findings (or anticipated outcomes) are well-articulated.

    Contribution to Knowledge or Practice

    The presentation offers new insights, practical applications, or challenges existing assumptions.

    Inclusivity and Representation

    The research considers diverse perspectives, especially those of people with lived experience of disability. Intersectional factors (e.g., gender, culture, age) are acknowledged where relevant.

    Key Dates:

    EOI Deadline: Monday 10th November, 5pm 2025

    Notification of Acceptance: 28th November 2025 Forum Presentation Date: Friday 20th March, 2026

    How to Submit:

    Email your EOI to Georgia Munro-Cook - g.munro-cook@griffith.edu.au and Katie Kelly - engagement@asapd.org

    The selection panel for EoI submissions will be convened by Professor Simone Fullagar, Griffith University, Inclusive Futures research hub, with representatives from ASAPD and Griffith University.


    Please include:

    • Your name and affiliation
    • Presentation title
    • 100-word summary of your topic
    • 100-word biography
    • Contact details


    For those selected, presenter profiles will be promoted before the forum and the registration cost of the forum will be waived.

  • Sport Access Foundation 2023 Grant Recipients Announcement

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    Sport Access Foundation (SAF) has announced the 2023 Sport Access Foundation grant recipients, helping Aussie kids with disability to play and participate in sport.

    14 Aussie kids with disability and 4 sporting clubs who provide programs to include children with a disability and/or enable children with a disability to be members of their clubs receive Sport Access Foundation grants.

    The four grant categories include:

    • No Barriers (aged 7-12 years) $500 x 8
    • Kick Start (aged 13-17 years) $1000 x 4
    • Pathway to Paralympics (aged 13-17 years) $1500 x 2
    • Sporting Club Grants (all registered sporting clubs) $2000 x 4

    Colour photo taken at the Sport Access Foundation Grant Announcement event at Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, in this photo Katie Kelly stands with grant recipients who are all smiling for the camera.

    Sport Access Foundation Founder and Director, and Paralympian Gold Medallist Katie Kelly OAM said the foundation aims to improve inclusion and access to sport and ensure no young Australian is left behind on the sporting sidelines.

    "Every year we receive applications from across the country, from young Australians with disability who are seeking support to achieve their sporting goals,” Ms Kelly said.

    “Their disability is not inspiring - rather it is their determination and resilience to achieve their goals, regardless of the many barriers and disablist attitudes that young people with disability experience.

    “While the grants provide financial support which helps to provide opportunities, they are mostly about empowering.

    “The grants ensure every young recipient knows that if they keep showing up, they will be rewarded.

    “If you want to know what overcoming adversity is, or how one builds character, then you have it here among our grant recipients.

    “Sport Access Foundation Honour Roll Members will not be defined by a disability, and they are determined to make a difference by leading through participation in sport to reach their potential, whatever their goals may be.”

    Ms Kelly is a founding member of Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability council, providing an advocacy role for one of the key pillars, Play (Sport).

    In support of the Sport Access Foundation, Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability beacon hosted the SAF Grant award ceremony at the Gold Coast campus on 17 November 2023.

    “We are proud to host the 2023 SAF grant announcement which will help many young people with disability achieve their sporting goals,” said Inclusive Futures: Reimaging Disability Beacon Director Professor Elizabeth Kendall.

    “Young people with disability are so often directed away from sport, but these scholarships and initiatives such as the Griffith Sports College make an important difference.

    “Many of these young athletes will be holding our hopes for medals in the 2032 Paralympic events so we need to invest in their careers.”

    Sydney 2000 Gold medal Olympian, Australian Stingers Water polo team member and Griffith Sports College Manager Naomi McCarthy said the grants are exciting and important to improving access to sport.

    “At the Griffith Sports College we work hard to ensure all athletes are supported through their education while they compete in elite sport,” Ms McCarthy said.

    “The Sport Access Foundation’s grants will help to ensure young people with disability can access sport and overcome barriers to improve participation - from grassroots through to high performance.”

    Meet the 2023 Sport Access Foundation recipients:

    For more information or to donate visit: www.sportaccessfoundation.org.au