Creating Inclusive Futures: Lessons from Paralympians for Health and Physical Education
Session Description
Aligned to the conference theme of Leading Active Futures: Thriving Through Movement, this interactive session is co-facilitated by Paralympians with diverse lived experiences of school sport and Health and Physical Education as students with disability. Presenting athletes will be confirmed based on availability and are experienced, engaging public speakers. Recognising the important role HPE plays in shaping inclusive and active school communities, this session blends athlete storytelling with practical insights for educators. Paralympians will share their experiences of participating in school sport, highlighting the moments and environments that supported, or limited, their inclusion. These lived experiences are complemented by a focused Para literacy component, introducing key concepts including disability awareness, inclusive practice, classification, and pathways into Para sport. The session is designed to build teacher confidence and provide practical strategies to support students with disability to participate meaningfully in sport and physical activity. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to reduce barriers, create inclusive environments, and play an active role in enabling all students to participate, belong and thrive through movement.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Apply practical strategies to create more inclusive HPE environments where all students can participate and thrive
- Reflect on and challenge attitudes towards disability through direct engagement with Paralympian experiences
- Demonstrate foundational Para literacy, including understanding of disability, classification, Para sport, the Paralympic Movement and the Paralympic Games.
- Recognise the role of schools as key entry points into Para sport and physical activity
- Identify how teachers can act as connectors, supporting students with disability to access Para sport pathways
- Apply practical strategies to create more inclusive HPE environments where all students can participate and thrive
- Reflect on and challenge attitudes towards disability through direct engagement with Paralympian experiences
- Demonstrate foundational Para literacy, including understanding of disability, classification, Para sport, the Paralympic Movement and the Paralympic Games.
- Recognise the role of schools as key entry points into Para sport and physical activity
- Identify how teachers can act as connectors, supporting students with disability to access Para sport pathways
Curriculum Level
F - 10
Keywords
Inclusion, Lifelong Physical Activity
Presentation Type
Classroom Workshop
C
7