EXAMPLE

Slam Down Under – Table Tennis for Adults with Intellectual Disability and Anxiety

“I was scared to leave the house. Now I’m part of a team.”

Slam Down Under is a community-based table tennis program in Victoria that supports adults with intellectual disability, many of whom also experience anxiety or mental health challenges. It was created by a local disability advocate and former table tennis coach who saw a gap for adults looking for a safe, social, and low-pressure sporting experience.

What They Did

• Co-designed the program with participants and families, ensuring it felt calm, respectful, and non-competitive.
• Ran sessions at the same time and place each week, creating predictability for those with anxiety or change sensitivity.
• Allowed players to join in gradually—some started by just watching, then picking up a paddle when ready.
• Created a quiet entry space for players to arrive and settle in, with no noise or pressure.
• Used gentle coaching—focusing on movement, confidence, and fun rather than technical perfection.
• Reframed success: “If you came and smiled, that’s a win.”

The Impact:

• Many players who hadn’t left home independently now attend weekly.
• Several have made new friends for the first time in years.
• One participant, who had not spoken in public before, led a warm-up game after a year of involvement.
• Families report reduced anxiety, improved self-esteem, and a stronger sense of identity.

“It’s not really about table tennis, it’s about belonging somewhere without fear.” – Parent of a participant

Thank you for completing module one, we hope the information you have learnt will help you be more inclusive.