The search, sponsored by Toyota, involves talent search days across Australia and aims to discover disabled athletes with the potential to compete at the very top level of Paralympic sport.

Andrea Johnstone, Queensland's development coordinator with the APC, said: "What we're actually looking for is athletes with a disability who have the potential to one day represent Australia at the Paralympic Games.

"This talent search is to have a look not only at how you might go in your chosen sport but at what sort of ability you have in general just in case you're not quite sure where you want to go.

"Since we started the talent search in 2005 we've tested over 1,600 athletes and of those, 27 actually went on to the Beijing 2008 Paralympics and won 14 medals.

"A lot of people aren't quite sure of the pathway they need to take become an athlete with a disability and what they need to do to get to that next step.

"If you're not looking to become the next fantastic track star but if you just want to know a little bit more about what's available for you as someone with a disability who is looking to participate in sport, we're also there to help you with that.

"While the primary focus is looking for potential elite athletes, we also want people to realise what's out there.

"We want everyone to feel that they can participate in sport, no matter what."

The tests at the talent search day involve taking some general measurements as well as some sports-specific tests, and working with coaches from targeted sports such as Rowing Australia.

Johnstone added that that the trials can be tough for athletes as elite Paralympic sport is only open to the very best disabled competitors.

"A lot of people seem to not realise that an athlete with a disability at the Paralympics is every bit an elite athlete so they still have to put in a lot of work," she added.

The latest Toyota Paralympic talent search days involve five separate testing days.

The first two were held in Perth on May 7 and May 21 while the third day will be held at the YMCA Sports Centre in Katherine on May 26, the fourth day at Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on May 28 and the fifth and final day at Bundaberg PCYC on May 29.

Registrations for the talent search days can be made by clicking here. 

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