The project, called "Creating Histories of the Australian Paralympic Movement: A New Relationship between Researchers and the Community", is a collaboration between the University of Queensland's School of Human Movement Studies, through associate professor Murray Phillips and Dr Gary Osmond, and the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and Wikimedia Australia.

Through the collaboration of these three organisations, the initiative aims to create a new relationship between historical research, disability sport and the Australian community through exploring and analysing the historical development of sport for people with disabilities in the country.

"The significance of the Paralympic movement in terms of its power to change public perceptions and attitudes towards disability, to influence public policy and to empower people with a disability as full participants in society cannot be underestimated," said associate professor Phillips.

"We are faced with the challenge of researching the history of this Movement in all of its cultural, social, technical and political complexities, and exploring its potent symbolism.

"Wikimedia Australia, with its volunteer community, global reach and incredible popularity, is a perfect vehicle to help create and tell the story of the Australian Paralympic Movement."

Swimmer Matt Cowdrey is Australia's most successful Paralympian ever with 13 gold medals at three Games