Breaking Barriers Through Basketball

Recently, a new collaboration brought that philosophy to life through a basketball program designed especially for our Campus Life program participants.

Campus Life is a day program for neurodivergent young adults aged 17 to 25, offering a unique opportunity to experience learning and connection in an adult tertiary environment.

Participants enjoy activities like group speech therapy, music therapy, quizzes on current events, passion projects, and more - all in a supportive setting with accessible, visual, and engaging materials.

When Kathy Harris, General Manager at the Centre for Inclusive Supports Inc., saw a LinkedIn post from Brent Kinnane, General Manager for TAFE Queensland Brisbane, about joining the South Bank Fitness Centre, she suggested bringing her group of neurodivergent young adults into the mix.

Nathan Gill, Education Manager at the Academy of Sport, reached out, and a meaningful collaboration was born.

Every Friday morning, participants gather for inclusive basketball sessions led by TAFE Queensland students and guided by the expertise of Education Manager Nathan Gill and teachers Mal Porter and Christoph Tetzner from the Academy of Sport.

“Working with neurodiverse individuals and those with intellectual disabilities is profoundly rewarding.”

“It offers a unique opportunity to witness the transformative power of sports in fostering inclusiveness, building confidence, and creating a sense of belonging,” said Nathan.

The basketball initiative embodies the principles of TAFE Queensland’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP), which aims to ensure equitable access to educational and training opportunities for people with disability.

Developed in consultation with staff, students, and external disability practitioners, the DAIP is a blueprint for creating an environment where dignity, trust, and respect are valued and barriers to participation are actively removed.

The sessions were thoughtfully designed to reflect the DAIP’s commitment to accessibility and respect.

For many Campus Life participants, the sessions are more than just exercise - they’re a chance to break down barriers, reduce social isolation, and build genuine friendships.

Group Leader Alana Scheef and the dedicated Inclusion Assistants from Inclusive Supports prepared participants by sharing a social story ahead of time and bringing along familiar items, headphones, and communication boards to help them feel comfortable and engaged.

This collaboration has enriched the lives of Campus Life participants and offered TAFE Queensland students invaluable, hands-on experience working with diverse communities, a win-win that embodies the spirit of our inclusive approach to education.

By implementing programs like this, we’re putting the DAIP into practice and building a more inclusive TAFE Queensland for everyone.

As the program looks to the future, the Campus Life team and TAFE Queensland staff are eager to explore more opportunities to work together, creating even more pathways to inclusion, connection, and growth.

A huge thank you goes to Nathan Gill, Mal Porter, Christoph Tetzner, the participating TAFE students, and everyone who contributed to making this basketball initiative a slam dunk for inclusion at TAFE Queensland.