A broad range of centres across Victoria have been visited, including rural, metropolitan, YMCA and local government run centres.  The aim of these visits has been to:

 

Some of the emerging issues to have come to light so far include:

 

 

There are a number of interesting programs being delivered at centres; more opportunities are being created in the aquatics area of the leisure centre and less in the gym and group fitness areas.  Centres need to utilise this opportunity and consider how they can progress a person with a disability into other activities within the centre.

 

 

Many centres, even the newer buildings, are still struggling with physical access.  Where centres have a good connection with a disability advisory committee they are better able to meet the needs of people with a disability.  Developing an effective feedback process which is accessible to everybody can ensure centres are able to continue to respoind to these needs.

 

 

Centres are offering a broad range of services which could be utilised by people with a disability.  However, centres need to think about how opportunities are being marketed to people with a disability.

 

Overall, centre managers and staff want to do more in this area, but are unsure where to go for advice and support.  Through this project we aim to create a one stop shop of information and advice; thereby making it easier for centres to meet the needs of people with a disability.