Para and Ability Dance Western Australia Centre of Excellence

Para & Ability Dance Centre of Excellence Proposal

VISION

To establish Australia’s first Para & All Abilities Dance Centre of Excellence. A specialised, universally accessible movement and performance facility designed to meet the needs of dancers with disability while also welcoming able-bodied dancers through a model of reverse inclusion.

Para and Ability Dance WA Para Dance Coaches Course Perth 2023

THE NEED FOR A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Para and Ability Dance WA (PADWA) advocates for dancers with disability.

While PADWA has made significant progress using hired venues, no existing space meets the diverse accessibility, safety and functional needs of dancers, including wheelchair users, blind and vision‑impaired dancers, and those with sensory or intellectual disabilities.

Current facilities:

lack of sprung dance floors, mirrors, and adequate accessible amenities
provide limited availability, no consistency of access and no long-term continuity
not designed for adequate wheelchair manoeuvring space
cannot support growth or host large scale, inclusive dance events for people with disability
venues lack hoists, adult changing tables, quiet rooms, or sensory-adjustable lighting

A dedicated Centre of Excellence will transform access, participation, performance pathways, and community belonging for dancers with disability in Western Australia.

A fit‑for‑purpose Centre would immediately remove these barriers and create a national benchmark for accessible dance facilities.

THE PROPOSED CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Purpose

To create a fit‑for‑purpose, universally accessible Dance Centre of Excellence, capable of supporting:

Wheelchair dancers
Dancers with a sensory disability
Dancers with an intellectual and psychosocial disability
Able-bodied dancers participating in reverse‑inclusion activities

The Centre will also act as a hub for disability inclusive indoor sport, disability community events, partnerships, research, and shared use by like-minded organisations.

KEY FEATURES OF THE FACILITY

A purpose-designed facility would include:

Accessibility & Inclusion

Level access throughout; no stairs, wide corridors for wheelchair users to pass
Sprung dance floors with integrated sound conduction for deaf and hard of hearing dancers
Braille floor indicators, ridges on the dance floor so dancers can feel the approaching wall on the floor and high‑contrast line markings
Specialised, adjustable lighting for dancers with vision impairments, autism or epilepsy
Quiet rooms for sensory regulation and anxiety management
Adult‑sized changing table and hoist
Generous, accessible parking and public transport access
Generous, accessible toilet facilities, with a full turning circle for wheelchair users
All door handles, switches, and drink fountains at lower levels are for wheelchair users
Tables and bench heights at an appropriate level for a wheelchair user
A stage with a wheelchair ramp that a wheelchair user can use independently
Storage space for sports wheelchairs to enable wheelchair users the option to use public transport

Training, Performance & Community Spaces

Large, unobstructed dance floor suitable for multiple wheelchair users
Mirrors, audio systems, and safe floor surfaces for para and all abilities dance training
Breakout rooms for private coaching, rehearsals, meetings or online classes
A purpose-built audio‑visual room supporting:
- livestream coaching
- online adjudicator/dance teacher training
- instructional video production
Shared office/administration area for partner not‑for‑profit associations
A welcoming café-style community hub for dancers, families, volunteers and the public

Research & Vocational Opportunities

Partnerships with universities, TAFEs and training institutions
Opportunities for vocational training for people with disability (reception, hospitality, cleaning, admin)
A research cohort for studies in disability sport, movement therapy and inclusive arts

COLLABORATION & SHARED USE OPPORTUNITIES

The Centre is designed to be a shared community asset, enabling collaboration with aligned organisations:

Enhances inclusion
Strengthens community connections
Maximises space utilisation
Broadens revenue streams
Embodies universal design principles
Disability social and community events
The large accessible floor spaces also enable multi-use by other indoor sports
Embodies universal design principles

This multi‑purpose approach increases use, sustainability and community benefit.

WHY PADWA IS THE RIGHT ORGANISATION TO LEAD THIS PROJECT

PADWA brings:

Demonstrated success supporting athletes to compete nationally and internationally
Incorporation and charity status
Partnerships across disability, sport, arts and community sectors
Lived experience and technical expertise in inclusive dance
A strong volunteer workforce and governance structure
The committee has representation from parents and people with disability

PADWA’s mission—creating inclusive dance opportunities for all—aligns directly with the Centre’s goals.

FUNDING & SUSTAINABILITY

PADWA seeks funding to support:

Construction or redevelopment of a suitable existing building
Full accessibility modifications
Installation of specialist dance, sound and lighting systems
Fit‑out of training, administrative and community spaces

This can be achieved through:

State Government investment
Local Government partnerships
Philanthropic foundations
Corporate supporters
Co-investment with disability, arts or sport organisations

Operational Sustainability Revenue streams may include:

Hiring of dance floor and meeting spaces
Membership model for casual practice use
Events, competitions and workshops
Audio‑visual room hire for coaching and online events
Regular events, competitions, and community activities
Research partnerships with tertiary institutions
Ongoing operational grants
Vocational training placements delivering in‑house support services

LAND REQUIREMENTS

Central, accessible location
Level site
Public transport access
Aesthetic, functional design prioritising universal access
Longevity, low maintenance and community safety

NEXT STEPS

Secure capital funding through government and philanthropic partnerships.
Engage key partners, including Rebound WA, disability sport organisations, and education providers.
Develop detailed design concepts with architects experienced in universal access.
Launch a public awareness and marketing campaign to build community support.

With support from government, partners and community, this Centre of Excellence will become a landmark facility—a home for inclusive dance and movement in Western Australia, where dancers of all abilities can train, compete, connect and shine.

Registrations of Para and Ability Dance WA Inc

Association registered under the Western Australian Associations Incorporations Act 2015IARN: A1031582X, 2019
Charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission: ABN 57 753 954 685, 2024
Endorsed for deductible gift recipient (DGR) as ‘Cultural Organisation’, 2024

A full copy of the Centre of Excellence plan can be found on the Para and Ability Dance Western Australia website

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