USC researchers are helping turn the concept of ‘inclusion’ on its head in a new program that invites able-bodied individuals to try their hands at wheelchair basketball.

Run in conjunction with the Suncoast Spinners, the innovative Reverse Inclusion program will offer dozens of workshops and lectures over the course of a year to university students, school students and members of the public.

The program will be officially launched tomorrow, Thursday 24 August with a workshop held at 12pm at the USC Stadium as part of USC’s 2017 Diversity Week. It will be followed by a media call announcing full details of this year’s program.

USC researcher and dual Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist Bridie Kean is managing the workshops, which are funded by a National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) grant awarded to the Suncoast Spinners.

“People with physical disabilities are often excluded from participating in typical team sports, whereas everyone – including the able-bodied – can have a go at wheelchair basketball,” she said.

“In these workshops, the wheelchair is simply a piece of sporting equipment to play the game.

“Through reverse inclusion we are creating an environment no one is left on the sidelines, and siblings, friends and workmates can play sport together.”

Coaches and athletes from the Suncoast Spinners will help lead the workshops, including USC student and Australian wheelchair basketball representative Steven Elliott and Hannah Dodd.

— Gen Kennedy