About AllPlay
Welcome to AllPlay- a place where parents, teachers, coaches, carers and health professionals can access strengths and evidence-based resources and information to support children who experience developmental challenges or disabilities to fully participate at school and in the community where they play, move, get active and be creative.
Our research and community consultations have shown that there are many barriers to inclusion for children with disabilities and developmental challenges. When all children can’t play it’s usually because of the structures and the systems in place and a lack of understanding– not because of the abilities of children.
“AllPlay began with a simple observation in 2013 on the edge of the footy field as I watched my children play, develop new skills, meet friends, and laugh” says Professor Rinehart. “As I thought about the incredible physical, social, mental health benefits sports brings to children, and knowing children learn and develop best in a natural environment, I wondered whether we could one day ‘prescribe sports’ as well as other clinical interventions to the children I saw in my clinic who experience developmental challenges and disabilities such as autism?”
In 2016, AllPlay was generously funded by the Moose Foundation and started an enduring partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL). AllPlay embarked on additional partnerships with the National Disability Insurance Agency, Geelong, St Kilda and Hawthorn Football Clubs across a range of programs, including AllPlay Footy, as well as a research project on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander footy. Queensland Ballet partnered with AllPlay for dance-based resources, and we launched our cerebral palsy program by artistic director Li Cunxin. In 2019, the Hon. Tim Richardson launched AllPlay Learn in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
AllPlay is now a national initiative that enables children with developmental challenges, such as autism, cerebral palsy, language disorders and intellectual disabilities to access a range of activities. AllPlay targets attitudes, structures and systems with strengths and- evidenced-based resources and information so that everyone can play and be part of the community.
We remain committed to our guiding, foundational principles: AllPlay’s resources and strategies are informed and underpinned by research validation, employing our model that will enable a ‘world fit for all kids’ through best practice clinical and community-based interventions.
AllPlay brings this community together through innovations in thinking about how to support children to reach their full potential.
“When I started my career as a clinical psychologist supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children with developmental disabilities and their families 20 years ago, many families were not offered intervention services, let alone evidence-based ones. We now have many more clinical interventions and services available, but we know that one session a week is not enough to meet the needs of the ‘whole child’ and their family. AllPlay brings support and intervention into the community where children dance, play sport and learn. Communities thrive when they know how to include all children’
AllPlay Life
From effectively managing emotions to establishing a healthy daily routine, there are a range of strategies that can help children and young people navigate the world and develop crucial life skills.
AllPlay Life is our newest program and features a suite of resources providing support to families in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the future, AllPlay Life will create the building blocks to employment and living a fully engaged life.
AllPlay Move
There are clear links between physical activity and positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
AllPlay Move supports families to engage with physical activity programs, such as dance and sport.
We have a range of resources for dance teachers and sports coaches and volunteers, who are looking for the tools to make their studios and clubs more inclusive. Health professionals can also find resources to support children’s participation in dance and sports.
AllPlay Learn
Educational settings are a central part of a child’s life from long day care and kindergarten through to secondary school.
AllPlay Learn helps ‘make education fit for all kids’ with practical online information, courses and resources for educators and teachers, and guidance and resources for families, children and young people.
