Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA), formerly known as the Australian Disabled Skiers Federation, is a registered charity and the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) body for adaptive winter sports in Australia. With a mission to promote and foster the advancement of participation of people with disability in winter sports, DWA aims to provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in the winter sport of their choice, safely and with dignity.
Established in 1978, DWA has been instrumental in assisting thousands of individuals with disabilities to participate in winter sports. As a Public Benevolent Institute, Not for Profit Organisation, Deductible Gift Recipient, and Income Tax Exempt charity, DWA is committed to reducing barriers and increasing access to winter sports for people with disabilities.
DWA operates across Australia's five major snow resorts in New South Wales and Victoria, collaborating closely with the management teams at Thredbo, Vail Resorts (Falls Creek, Mt. Hotham, Perisher Ranges), and Mt. Buller. These strong partnerships, coupled with the support of resort staff, enable DWA to deliver positive experiences for its members.
DWA offers a range of programmes and services to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of individuals with disabilities. One of their key services is resort guiding, where trained volunteer guides assist individuals with disabilities in navigating the snow resorts and participating in winter sports. This service can be booked through DWA's website.
Membership with DWA unlocks a host of benefits and opportunities. Members have access to DWA's Resort Services Programmes, which provide further support and guidance for planning trips to the snow resorts. Additionally, DWA organises member camps in both New South Wales and Victoria, offering participation camps and athlete development camps that cater to various skill levels.
Integrity in sport is a top priority for DWA, and as such, they have partnered with Sport Integrity Australia to ensure the protection of their sport and its members from harassment, bullying, abuse, and discrimination.
To learn more about DWA and their services, individuals can visit their website or connect with them on social media. DWA's headquarters are located in Melbourne, and they can be contacted via phone or email for further inquiries or support. Disabled Wintersport Australia recognises and respects the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the nation's first inhabitants and traditional custodians of the lands where they operate.