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Professor Simone Fullagar, Dr Georgia Munro-Cook and Dr Adele Pavlidis
Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Inclusive Play, and Sport and Gender Equity research hub

The theme of International Women’s Day - cracking the code to pursue gender equality – has invited us to reflect upon the experiences of women who are often invisible within hyper visible cultural spaces like sport. Despite there being over two-million women and girls with a disability (approximately 20% of all women), an Australian report has identified a persistent gender gap in knowledge about the impact of inequities that contribute to invisibility within policies, services and programmes and resources. Within Australian sport we have seen growing public conversations about improving both disability inclusion, as well as gender equity, through the ‘Green and Gold’ decade of major events such as the Brisbane2032 Paralympics and Olympics and the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

Paralympics Australia have importantly emphasised equity as a key principle to improve participation pathways, ‘We know that of the 4.3 million people with a disability, only one in four participates in sport, while three in four want to participate’. A broad focus on equity can, however, unintentionally disguise gender disparities. Hence, there is a need to develop intersectional understandings that make the cultural and structural inequalities visible as they continue to impact women, girls and also nonbinary participants with a disability. At the elite level, the Tokyo Paralympic team had only 43.6% women identified athletes, which though above the worldwide average for the games (42.08%), was well below the 54% of women in the Olympic team. At the community level, AUSPLAY 2022 data shows that women with a disability have lower rates of organised sport participation (19%) compared to both nondisabled women (34%) and men with a disability (27%).

From the limited research that exists, we know that women with disability tend to have less support than men with disability, and their bodymind capacities are underestimated by parents and medical professionals. Engaging in sport allows women, girls, and gender diverse people with a disability to challenge these limitations, their body coming to represent physical capacity rather than lack, as they can explore and push the limits of their embodied capabilities. Sport allows women with disability to build a communal space where they can negotiate their own understanding of their disabled bodies and capacities with others who are experiencing similar issues, building not only friendships, but a site of knowledge transfer. Through their exclusion from sport, not only are women with disability missing out on the traditional benefits of sport (body competence, leadership skills, friendship), they are unable to challenge the masculine, able-bodied nature of sport or reformulate the notion of what disabled bodies can ‘do’. Importantly, research informed by feminist disabilities studies can guide change beyond ableist models by drawing on the experiences of women, girls and gender diverse people who have developed innovative ways of living with disability and ways of imagining cultural change within and beyond sport.

Gender matters in the analysis of sport systems and research, given the historical norms that value nondisabled masculine bodies, and where unconscious bias, willful ignorance and discrimination are major barriers to cultural change. There is scope to develop a focus on gender and disability in the new National Sport Research Agenda (2022-23) that seeks to engage the sector to better understand ‘why sports participation in both playing and non-playing roles is, or becomes, less inviting or appealing for some’ (specific populations and Australians of all abilities). This is also important with respect to the other key priorities focussed on the value and benefits of sport, high performance, major sport event legacy and sport system sustainability. If Australia is to be true to its ‘sport for all’ ethos, then the intersectional inequalities that women with disability experience, need to be addressed in our sport system to move beyond siloed thinking that perpetuates both ableism and sexism.

To date disability and gender have been largely considered as separate categories in various policy, programs and funding arrangements which has resulted in gaps in provision. While there has been significant investment in growing ‘women’s sport’ this has largely excluded disability (expansion of elite competitions (AFLW) and major events, FIBA and FIFA world cups), at the same time, there has been little strategic focus on gender inequity in most disability sport organisations. While good practices and programmes certainly exist (e.g. WSNSW Her Sport), this is ad hoc rather than systemic change in sport organisations. With a number of major sport events on the horizon, there is an opportunity to build on the momentum for change that recognises disability inclusion and gender equity as key to a future that is responsive to different bodies, desires and ways of living (universal design, safe spaces, belonging, social connection etc).

The Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability research programme on Inclusive Play recently held a co-design event to develop collaborative ideas for change. Out of this process we identified the need to advance research to close the gender gap in disability sport to improve participation and contribute to a more equitable future. Australia is increasingly an ageing society with diverse experiences of disability, there are multiple benefits to be gained from applying a gender lens to accessible spaces, safe and innovative services. Our research conversations and collaborations seek to bring a ‘gender lens’ to future innovation in disability sport provision that will have enduring benefits for women, girls and nonbinary people with a disability (and indeed for men who may not identify with stereotypically masculine sport identities). The ‘benefits of sport’ for all is a common refrain in the promotion of government investment in major sport events, yet research points to the difficulty of facilitating change in participation, especially for marginalised groups.

The Brisbane2032 games seeks to create a participation legacy that will engage 500 000 more people with a disability in sport, however, without an intersectional focus on gender (including income, culture, Indigeneity, sexuality, age, location) such initiatives are likely to exacerbate rather than reduce inequities for women. Especially given the negative impacts of Covid-19 on Australian women and in particular, those with disability and health conditions (economic, mental health, violence etc). Given this context there is a strong argument for why public funding and investment in sport should be gender responsive to maximise the potential health, social and economic benefits of sport for women, girls and nonbinary people with a disability.

Our recently funded Australian Research Council project will enable a step forward to address inequities in sport participation for girls, women and non-binary people (with disability and nondisabled) by exploring how lived experience can inform legacy planning for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Addressing existing gaps in knowledge about sport legacy planning, the research will produce an evidence base to guide equitable and inclusive sport participation processes for those who are disengaged or marginalised from sport. Using a unique collaborative approach the project will contribute different voices and insights from diverse experiences of inequality to engage key stakeholders involved in legacy planning for 2032.

If we are going to ever ‘crack the code’ to gender equality, we need to start disrupting those spaces and practices where normative assumptions about sport remain unquestioned (able bodied, masculine, white, heterosexual). Sport is one of those areas of cultural life that is potentially one of the most powerful everyday spaces for challenging what has been considered natural and normal. Playing, watching, managing and transforming sport with a focus on disability led innovation and gender equity can turn normative practices upside down and inside out, making room for diverse bodies and abilities in mega-sport events, local clubs, professional codes, media stories, policy and research frameworks.

Social media links

Twitter –
@GriffithUniSAGE
@simonefullagar
@adele_pavlidis
@Gmunrocook
@GU_Incl_Futures

Inclusive Futures LinkedIN - https://au.linkedin.com/showcase/inclusive-futures-reimagining-disability

Image Credits:
Madison de Rozario copyright Griffith University
Photograph by Luke Marsden

Feminist Sport Poetry Workshop
Photography by Simone Gorman-Clark

Women's Competitive Football
Taylor-Adeline Mapusua and Lauren Brown
Copyright Griffith University

On 1 March, Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures and The Hopkins Centre are collaborating to celebrate International Wheelchair Day. International Wheelchair Day is an annual day of events and activities which take place around the world. It is an opportunity for wheelchair users to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives.

Since it was first launched in 2008, celebrations have taken place across the globe. The Aims of International Wheelchair Day are:

• To enable wheelchair users to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has in their lives.
• To celebrate the great work of the many millions of people who provide wheelchairs who provide support and care for wheelchair users and who make the World a better and more accessible place for people with mobility issues.
• To acknowledge and react constructively to the fact there are many tens of millions of people in the World who need a wheelchair, but are unable to acquire one.

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

Griffith’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability research alliance seeks to deliver innovative solutions and shape policy to improve quality of life for wheelchair users, and others with disability and disabling conditions through sport, recreation, education and work, and communities that promote health, wellbeing and social connection.

We aim to work with people with disability to create products, services and places focused on reducing impairment and increasing participation in a reimagined, inclusive society.

Of our Engagement Council is made up of nine (9) community leaders with disability–who are ambassadors and advocates that guide our research towards meaningful positive impact for people with disability. Of our nine Council members, five (5) are wheelchair users. In the blog that follows, they shared what International Wheelchair Day means to them.

The Hopkins Centre

The Hopkins Centre is passionate about creating supportive community-based and service-delivery environments for wheelchair users, their families and carers, through evidence-based knowledge and its translation into practice. Our ability to approach complex challenges of disability and develop rapid rehabilitation solutions, is enhanced by our interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral teams and networks.

A cornerstone of all our work, is that we center the lived experience of people with disability, collaborating meaningfully and co-designing solutions which uphold dignity and respect. One way we center the experiencial knowledge of people with disability is through our Ambassador Council, which promotes citizen engagement in research, with many projects either being led by citizen researchers or involving active citizen engagement. The Ambassador Council members work with THC researchers to ensure our research is in line with the needs of those who use disability and rehabilitation services, and address topics of relevance and importance to the community with lived experience. Justin Hua is one of our Citizen Ambassadors and a co-researcher at the HabITec Lab.

Lisa Cox

Speaker, Media Professional & Griffith University Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council Member

“We need to rephrase the way wheelchairs are spoken about so that the general public can reimagine what is possible for the life of a wheelchair user. I acquired my disabilities nearly two decades ago, and when the wheelchair was presented to me, it was done so in a way that made it clear that they (the staff) thought my life would be 'less than' as a wheelchair user, than if I was walking. Around me, pop culture indirectly referenced a wheelchair as burdensome and a limitation on my freedom. However, in my personal experience, I am safer, more independent and more free in a wheelchair than I ever was when I tried to walk. Those wheels have taken me around the globe, around the gym and down the aisle. Words have power, so it's important for our media to stop using words like ‘confined to a wheelchair’ and ‘wheelchair-bound’ that only add to the stigma experienced by many people with disability.”

info@lisacox.co | www.lisacox.co | IG lisacox.co

Michael Dobbie-Bridges PLY

Griffith University Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council Member

Paralympian & Strategic Advisor (Disability) APM

International Wheelchair Day provides an opportunity to reflect on all the journeys that my wheelchair has allowed me to go on. For me this year has a little extra meaning because in a few days’ time, I will actually be celebrating using a wheelchair for exactly 50% of my life. In that time, having a wheelchair has allowed me to contribute to my community, be part of the workforce, spend time with my loved ones, represent my Country on the world stage and travel to many many places. I think it’s also important to reflect on the advancements in technology in that time, now custom made in every sense, lighter and stronger and with more accessories (hello power assist!!) that enable me to have a better quality of life.

Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council Chair, Doctor, Lawyer & 2021 Australian of the Year (Qld)

“I was at an event for children when a little girl asked during question time, "do you use a wheelchair because you think it's cool?” There’s a lot to unpack in her question. But, in amongst all of that, to this little girl, a wheelchair is cool. I think that's just gravy.”

Daniel Clarke

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Engagement Council Member<
2021 Young Australian of the Year (Qld) & Co-Founder Tears in the Jungle

“As a person with a disability who has been in a wheelchair for most of my life, I recently was asked by a friend, “if I could have the option to not have my wheelchair, would I take it?”. My friend assumed I would give everything away at a chance of not needing my wheelchair. However, the answer for me is a quick and simple ‘No, I wouldn’t change it even if I could’. My wheelchair is part of my identity and while it has never defined who I am, I have been fortunate to experience so many opportunities I believe I would not have had if I wasn’t in a wheelchair. For me, my wheelchair is a means to an end, it makes me unique, and people want to listen to what I have to say on issues I am passionate about. There is no good or bad things about being in a wheelchair, it’s just different and as society becomes more inclusive, we are able to embrace our difference and to be proud of the person you are and what makes you, you.”

Justin Hua

The Hopkins Centre and HabITec Citizen Ambassador and

Student, Diploma of Counselling, TAFE Queensland

Justin Hua (Jay) is a Citizen Ambassador for HabITec at the Hopkins Centre, Griffith University. Justin has been a quadriplegic using a wheelchair for over 7 years.

“Prior to my accident, I was an apprentice mechanic who enjoyed working on cars and going on long drives with mates. I had two 90’s Honda Civics, a 02 Commodore and a 1971 VW Bug (not all at once though).”

“One positive impact being a wheelchair user has had on me, is that I now appreciate how amazing it is to live in this country and how nice it is to be able to go out and enjoy different things without having to worry too much about having access – granted, there are some exceptions. Also, the companion card is great.”

“Recently, I went to see Hamilton at QPAC with my friend and the staff there are really helpful and friendly. The next week we went to see a Candlelight Quartet performance at St John’s Cathedral, which had me concerned about wheelchair access, as it was an older building. But lo and behold, accessibility was fine. The view from my seating area however, was obstructed by one of the columns that supported the roof. I asked my friend to check if we could move to the middle of the aisle seat where the view would be clearer. A minute or two later, he came back and moved us to the left side of the front of the stage. He then tells me the guy he asked wasn’t sure if we’d be blocking people and then one of the staff ladies said “those seats up there are empty, why don’t you seat them up there? This experience was definitely a win and greatly appreciated.”

“If I could give a younger version of myself advice about being a wheelchair user, it would be to spend “the extra time to test ride/drive a new wheelchair and see how it feels, and to be patient during the setup. It would also include gathering a team around you, people that support or inspire, and for me, these people include “my brother Wil, all of the staff at the PA Hospital (Cleaners, Doctors, Nurses, OT’s, Paramedics, Physios etc.) As well as all the carers, friends and family of wheelchair users.”

Professor Linda Agnew, an immunologist who is blind, has been appointed the new Dean (Academic) at Griffith Health after many years in leadership roles at the University of New England. To read more information about this exciting appointment, please click on the title to be directed to the story.

The Hopkins Centre recently announced the release of their 2023 Interdisciplinary Seed Funded Research Grants and Clinical Fellowships. The aim of these grants is to support new research that will improve disability and rehabilitation clinical practice, service delivery, and systems, as well as develop and maintain a credible exchange of scholarship and knowledge transfer to benefit rehabilitation services and the people who utilise these services.

Expressions of Interest are due by 5pm on 15 February 2023. For more information, visit the Hopkins Centre website.

Georgia Munro-Cook, the captain of Australia's National Wheelchair Basketball team at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics is the most recently appointed Research Fellow at Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability beacon. Click the title to read more about her experiences. This will open a new webpage.