Intro
Adaptive Volley is a modified version of the game, designed to be accessible for all abilities, including people with disability and older adults.
Volleyball WA’s Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Aaron Tannahill said modifying rules, equipment and coaching is helping open doors for participation.
‘Adaptive volley, it’s in the name,’ he said.
‘We cater each session towards the participant and what their needs are for them to have fun and for it to be as accessible as possible.’
‘Every program, every session I’ve been to, there’s been so many smiles and laughs.’
The WA Government is supporting Adaptive Volley with a 3-year grant totalling $300,000 through its Inclusive Participation Grants Program.
The Program provides financial support to create inclusive, accessible and safe participation sport and recreation opportunities for people from low participation groups.
Importantly, funding also delivers inclusion awareness training to build capacity of broader mainstream clubs and groups to promote long term inclusion.
Volleyball WA’s funding allows clubs to deliver free or low‑cost programs, building strong pathways for long‑term participation and growth. We also provide clubs and coaches with inclusion education to ensure they can confidently create welcoming, accessible spaces for everyone.
When you’re introducing a new program, there are many barriers to overcome,” Mr Tannahill said.
‘This grant is giving us the opportunity to welcome people in, encourage them to have a go, and remove cost as an obstacle, whether that’s the cost for participants or the cost of delivering the program.
‘We’ve watched Adaptive Volleyball participants flourish in both confidence and skill, and our clubs have strengthened their capacity to be more inclusive and welcoming.’
Volleyball WA continues to collaborate closely with affiliated clubs to ensure Adaptive Volley becomes a core and sustainable part of their programs into the future.
All photographs courtesy of Volleyball WA