NDIS and Tenpin Bowling – Supports and Examples
By Emily Rennes
Special Olympics Australia and Tenpin Bowling Australia have once again partnered to support and encourage participation in sport and recreation.
Whilst there are many holistic benefits, this project reviewed how sport specifically aligns with the National Disability Insurance Agency’s NDIS outcomes. In the table below see a list of some typical supports on offer in an NDIS plan and next to them some typical examples applicable to the sport of tenpin bowling. Of course, these are dependent upon your specific situation and funding, so we encourage you to consult your NDIS liaison or plan manager for further details.
The NDIS is designed to help people with disabilities live more independent lives and engage fully in their communities, including through social and recreational activities. Social and recreational activities, such as playing sport, can play an important role in achieving this. NDIS funding can be used to support individuals in a variety of ways, particularly when it comes to sport (if the individual has included participation in sport in their plan goals). NDIS participants can use their funding to access tenpin bowling and other recreational activities. Here are some examples:
NDIS Funded Supports for Sport Participation
| Supports | Examples |
| Assistance with travel or transport arrangements | Transport to training or a bowling competition where it is not reasonable to expect family or the community to provide the transport and where you’re not able to use public transport independently. |
| Purchase of personal recreation equipment modification and sporting equipment modification | A bowling ramp that fits over a wheelchair, a guide rail, manual ball pushes, an electric ball pusher, rubber and foam bowling balls, a retractable hand bowling ball, or an adapted bowling ball that makes a noise for participants who are vision impaired. |
| Personal assistance to participate in recreational activities | A support worker to assist a participant with changing into sport clothes, manipulating equipment, or providing guidance during training or bowling competitions. |
| Customised prosthetics and orthotics | An ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can improve stability and gait and reduce pain when walking. These may also allow participants to participate in a bowling event for longer periods of time. |
| Communication and information equipment may include devices and/or tools | An Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device or Aided Language Displays (ALDs). |
| Exercise physiology and personal wellbeing activities | Accessing a qualified professional to develop a personalised exercise program that helps participants build the strength and fitness needed to participate in bowling. |
| Hearing equipment | A coach can wear microphone transmitters so the participant can hear instructions and feedback. |
| Vision equipment | Signs and scoreboards in Braille, a tactile reading and writing system for individuals with visual impairment. |
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government-funded initiative that provides funding to eligible people with disabilities. It provides funding for services, supports, and equipment that help participants achieve greater independence, health, and social participation. NDIS funds support related to a person’s disability and goals, including services, items, and equipment to enable them to participate in activities of their choice and connect to their community.
What Do Coaches Need to Know?
Coaches do not need to know the full details of a participant’s NDIS plan. However, it can be useful to understand the goals or supports listed in the plan to tailor sessions more effectively. Information from the participant’s care team (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or speech therapists) can also help coaches provide better support. Visit the NDIS website for more info: www.ndis.gov.au
See our other resource: NDIS Outcomes and Tenpin Bowling Recommendations, ideal for coaches and volunteers working with inclusive programs and leagues.
Reach out – Emily Rennes (Occupational Therapist) is happy to provide additional support or try and answer your questions about bowling, contact via email.
