A new video released today by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), Paralympics Australia (PA) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) aims to guide athletes with a disability through the process of providing a blood or urine sample for the purpose of anti-doping testing.
The Modifications in the Doping Control Process video features Paralympians Vanessa Low and Michael Roeger, who break down each step in a simple and supportive way, helping athletes know what to expect when they're selected for testing .
The new resource complements SIA's existing anti-doping testing process videos, providing specific guidance to athletes with a disability about what modifications can be made to accommodate them.
SIA Director of Education, Alexis Cooper, said being selected for testing can feel overwhelming or even scary, especially the first time and that the video aims to support athletes with a disability through the process.
"Testing can be a confronting process for any athlete - but many athletes with a disability also face the added complexities of having to accommodate their impairment - whether that's trembling hands, a catheter or amputated limbs," Ms Cooper said.
"It's important that athletes with a disability know what to expect, what equipment they might need if they are ever selected for testing, and how and who to ask for help - which is what the video aims to achieve.
"The video was developed with input from athletes with a disability across Australia. It was important to us and our partners at PA and ASC for athletes to hear from their peers with similar lived experience in an accessible and engaging format."
Australian Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder in the women's long jump T61, Vanessa Low , said it's important for athletes to have this conversation early.
"I was proud to be part of this project as athletes at all levels, and all abilities, need to understand this important process and how it can be made smoother with a bit of planning," Ms Low said.
"The testing process can impact athletes with a disability differently and it's great to know that there are options to make the experience less daunting."
PA Integrity Manager Sally Guest said that the video is a vital step in ensuring athletes with a disability, their support teams and doping control staff understand the necessary modifications to make testing safe, respectful and fair.
"We're proud to collaborate with SIA and the ASC, to deliver this crucial information to athletes, and this is just the beginning, with more resources in development to ensure all impairment types are represented," Ms Guest said.
"Together, we're building a more inclusive and informed sporting environment for everyone."
The release of the Modifications in the Doping Control Process video will be used as part of SIA's free education program to sports via the new eLearning platform SIA EDGE .
It is also publicly available on YouTube.
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