Periods prove a big barrier for disabled women's participation in sport

When she's in the pool, Vanessa Ozols feels safe and accepted for who she is.

As a national-level swimmer with a disability, the community the 20-year-old has formed with other Para swimmers in her training squad means everything.

"I just feel like I have this level of understanding with them, and a strong bond," Ozols told ABC Sport.

But it hasn't always felt that way.

When Ozols first started menstruating, managing her period was a challenge, so she would have to skip training sessions.

Ozols lives with autism, an intellectual impairment, and a rare genetic disorder called hereditary angioedema, which causes swelling all over the body, so using period products like tampons didn't work.

"[It would] feel sore and uncomfortable," she said.

"On days when I've had my period, I just didn't feel very motivated to swim."

Only around 12 per cent of disabled women regularly participate in sport, due to a lack of opportunity, funding and access.

And when it comes to periods, Ozols isn't the only one who struggles.

Disabled athletes skipping sport in big numbers 

New research from Victoria University and national period charity Share the Dignity shows 68 per cent of disabled girls and women are regularly skipping sport because of their period.

The vast majority of the 273 people who responded to the survey regularly engaged in sport at all levels. Swimming was the most popular activity.

Victoria University lead researcher Clare Hanlon said sport should be accessible to everyone, and it was time to address the impact menstruation was having.

"We wanted to identify how and what needs to occur to change this," Professor Hanlon said.

Over a third of respondents avoided sport because they didn't have access to the period products they needed.

Many didn't feel comfortable using pads, tampons and menstrual cups because of sensory issues, while others with physical disabilities didn't have the dexterity to use some products.

Worries about leakage were a concern, which in turn affected confidence. Inaccessible and dirty toilets and change rooms also contributed to period anxiety.

A lack of education and communication was also a significant issue, with 61 per cent of respondents unsure how to discuss their period needs with sports staff.

Professor Hanlon said this research presented opportunities for national sporting organisations, local clubs and period product suppliers to adapt to the needs of the disability community.

"Our findings showed the importance of asking individuals about what their needs are and that not one solution fits all," she said.

Researchers believe a lot can be done when it comes to finding solutions.

Professor Hanlon said better communication between athletes and coaches was a good place to start, as well as increasing funding for period underwear, heat pads and wipes.

"All of this needs to be considered in order to create an environment where participants feel welcome and included," she said.

'The power to be able to swim'

Swimming Australia is one sporting organisation that has made changes to accommodate the menstrual needs of girls and women.

It developed inclusive swimwear guidelines in 2021 to cover considerations around gender, disability and religion, including period swimwear.

The guidelines state that anyone can use hygiene swimwear and it doesn't need to be approved by officials, something that Ozols didn't know when competing at the state championships.

Discovering period swimwear changed the way Ozols could not only train but also compete when she had her period.

"They have given me the power to be able to swim and not miss a single session," Ozols said.

Sarah Greenaway is the founder of Eltee Sydney, which makes period underwear for swimming.

It contains a waterproof layer with a seal to prevent water from getting to the gusset.

Ms Greenaway designed her version of the swimwear, which fits under normal swimming costumes, to help keep girls in sport, including her own daughter, Cleo.

"It took her dropping out of swimming for me to think, 'Oh, there's got to be a solution,'" Ms Greenaway said.

"The mission [is] being able to give girls the ability to stay in the pool and to be able to enjoy the things they enjoy and keep them healthy and active."

And she wants more awareness around guidelines like Swimming Australia's.

"There needs to be a strategy and a rollout to really make people understand what it is, what it means," Ms Greenaway said.

Knowledge, guidelines, key to participation

It's hoped that other sporting organisations will follow Swimming Australia's lead to keep disabled girls and women in sport.

"One of the key benefits of sport is the mental, physical and social health [it] provides for individuals," Professor Hanlon said.

"If we know that support is out there, more people with disability will be encouraged to play sport more often."

For Ozols, it was not just about achieving success at the Nationals; it was about regular participation and spending time with friends.

"It makes everything easier, and you can just focus on other things," Ozols said.

"I wish that they had created period swimwear a very long time ago … wearing inclusive underwear has given me that freedom and that comfort, and I feel very confident in them."