You’re invited to our What Ability Day at AAMI Park!

Hey Melbourne! Get pumped for a What Ability Day coming your way!

You’re invited to hang out with us and your favourite local athletes at AAMI Park on Sunday, 6 April.

Starting at 10am and concluding at 12pm, our What Ability Day at AAMI Park is a free and disability inclusive event.

We’re inviting people with a disability, and their family, to join us on the day! There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see our athletes.

Secure your free spot here!

By |2025-03-13T09:10:20+11:00March 13, 2025|News, QLD, state based|0 Comments
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Supporting You Every Step of the Way: Meet Our BSP Team

At What Ability, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience of our participants and their families. That’s why we launched our BSP (Behaviour Support Practitioner) last year in NSW. Our team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to providing person-centred support that ensures everyone can access fun, safe, and inclusive experiences in the community!

But what does our BSP team actually do? And how has this service impacted families so far?

We sat down with Jess, Kayla, and George to hear about the journey of launching BSP at What Ability and the difference it’s making.

Why did What Ability launch the BSP vertical?

Jess: We saw a gap in behaviour support within the disability sector and knew we could do better. Our goal was to provide real-time support for participants accessing community programs while also upskilling support workers with proactive and reactive strategies. By collaborating closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams, we’re ensuring consistency across all environments. Ultimately, it’s about improving the quality of life for people living with a disability.

What challenges did you face in the first year?

Kayla: Getting the word out! We had to build recognition in the community and show families how this service could benefit them. We tackled this through targeted outreach, networking, and delivering high-quality support that led to word-of-mouth referrals.

How has this service made a difference?

George: We’ve seen a huge impact! By providing tailored support strategies, we’re helping participants manage behaviours more effectively, reducing stress for families, and creating a more stable environment. We also track data and revise plans regularly to ensure we’re providing the best support possible. Families now feel more empowered, knowing they have a team they can rely on.

What are the biggest wins so far?

Jess: The overwhelming positive feedback from families and our regional managers has been incredible. The demand for our services continues to grow, and the number of referrals shows just how much trust families have in us.

What’s next for the BSP team?

Kayla: Expansion! We’re looking to grow across Sydney and interstate, reaching even more families. We’re also committed to ongoing training to ensure our team is always providing the highest level of support. Most importantly, we’ll continue adapting and evolving to meet the needs of our participants and their families.

Our BSP team is here to support, empower, and create lasting change. If you want to learn more about our services, read more about our team here or reach out to [email protected] to start your journey! 

By |2025-02-18T04:30:40+11:00February 18, 2025|News, NSW|0 Comments
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Albert Park Unlocked with What Ability Foundation

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation have partnered with What Ability Foundation as the community impact partner for a second year in 2025. The Foundation is proud to be part of their Albert Park Unlocked program – an experience for people with disability. Participants will receive a Park Pass to the FORMULA 1 LOUIS VUITTON AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2025 and an Albert Park Unlocked lanyard providing money can’t buy experiences to see behind the scenes of the Grand Prix™ spectacle.

The What Ability Foundation’s vision is to create an inclusive community across Australia, embarking on a mission to unlock one million experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families.

To register your interest in the program, complete the Official Form here.

For more information visit grandprix.com.au

By |2025-02-04T03:05:17+11:00February 4, 2025|News, state based, VIC|0 Comments
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You’re invited to our What Ability Day at Ballymore Stadium!

Hey Brisbane! Get pumped for a What Ability Day coming your way!

You’re invited to hang out with us and your favourite local athletes at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday, 23 February.

Starting at 10am and concluding at 12pm, our What Ability Day at Ballymore Stadium is a free and disability inclusive event.

We’re inviting people with a disability, and their family, to join us on the day! There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see our athletes.

Secure your free spot here!

By |2025-01-23T22:00:27+11:00January 23, 2025|News, QLD, state based|0 Comments
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What Ability Foundation Hits 10,000 Experiences milestone!

Hold onto your hats (and your hearts) – this November the What Ability Foundation officially unlocked 10,000 joy-filled experiences for people with disabilities, their families, and carers across Australia!

From unforgettable sports matches to competitive bowling games, the Foundation has been on a mission to put fun first, laughter, and community into as many lives as possible—and now, they’ve hit this incredible milestone.

More Smiles, More Fun, More Inclusion

“Our goal has always been simple: more experiences, more fun!” says Jared Chapman, CEO of What Ability Foundation. “Reaching 10,000 experiences is a massive celebration, each one a moment of happiness that brings people together and reminds us of the power of inclusion, and how important these moments are for family relationships and participants trying something new!”

Thanks to the Foundation’s fantastic network of friends, businesses, and star-studded athletes, these experiences have included everything from court side tickets to live sports events, to singing the National Anthem at the F1 Grand Prix Melbourne, to family-friendly outings at Archie Brothers. Every experience is designed to be safe, accessible, and most importantly, fun!

Here’s How We Got Here

With a little help from professional athletes and local legends, the Foundation has built a community full of big hearts and even bigger smiles. Each experience is about more than just fun, it’s about making connections, building confidence, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

What’s Next? Even MORE Smiles!

10,000 is just the beginning! The What Ability Foundation is already gearing up for its next adventure: unlocking even more experiences and expanding its reach to create moments of joy across Australia in 2025 and beyond.

Want to help? The Foundation invites businesses and individuals together for a great cause to join the fun and make a difference.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.whatabilityfoundation.org.au or follow our crew on socials @whatabilityfoundation

By |2024-12-10T03:26:42+11:00December 10, 2024|News, state based|0 Comments
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What Ability team up with Kings for a second season

What Ability is thrilled to unveil its partnership with Hoops Capital has extended for a second season.What Ability first teamed up with the Sydney Kings and Flames during the 2023-24 season as their official community partner. Now, we’re thrilled to continue that journey into the 2024-25 season.

The partnership includes being the game day partner for the Kings’ match against the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday, October 27, at Qudos Bank Arena, kicking off at 2:15 pm AEDT. On that special day, 30 of our participants and support workers will attend the round six fixture, making up the guard of honour as the Kings, including What Ability support worker Shaun Bruce, take the court. Plus, one lucky participant will have the honour of delivering the game ball!

If you’re looking for disability support that puts happiness first, sign up today!

What Ability CEO Jared Chapman is thrilled about the renewal;

“Teaming up with Hoops Capital for a second year is absolutely awesome. The enjoyment our participants and support workers get from this partnership is truly unmatched. It’s incredible to see how sport can bring people together, creating unforgettable memories and fostering a sense of inclusion for everyone involved.”

Tickets to all Kings’ home games at Qudos Bank Arena, including the October 27 clash with the Breakers, are available here.

We can’t wait for another amazing season of partnership and inclusion!

By |2024-10-10T01:02:55+11:00October 10, 2024|News, NSW, state based|0 Comments
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You’re invited to our What Ability Day at North Sydney Oval!

Hey Sydney! Get pumped for a What Ability Day coming your way!

You’re invited to hang out with us and your favourite local athletes at North Sydney Oval on Sunday, 17 November.

Starting at 10am and concluding at 12pm, our What Ability Day at North Sydney Oval is a free and disability inclusive event.

We’re inviting people with a disability, and their family, to join us on the day! There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see our athletes.

Secure your free spot here!

By |2024-09-24T23:02:09+10:00September 24, 2024|News, state based, WA|0 Comments
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Fun and Friendship: Inside What Ability Camps

At What Ability, we specialise in 1:1 community access and 1:1 STA (Camp), what we call overnight camps. In fact, throughout 2023 we hosted a total of 99 camps across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. These ran across the whole year and featured some epic cooking classes, DJ discos and jetski days during the warmer months.

Our What Ability camps provide participants with 1:1 support in a relaxed, group environment for a stay between 2 days and 1 night, up to 7 days and 6 nights away from home.

Our camps provide a fun and safe environment that promotes: 

  • Social interaction
  • Skill development
  • Community engagement

So what does a What Ability camp look like and what are the benefits for you? 

Participate in Fun Activities

When we say ‘camps,’ we’re not talking about tents in the wilderness—we’re talking about cosy Airbnbs across the country that serve as the perfect backdrop for our overnight adventures.

These Airbnbs may have heated pools, firepits, miniature ponies, trampolines, spacious kitchens, giant swings, BBQ’s and so much more!

Camps are filled with fun activities like jet-skiing, beach days, bushwalks, caring for and feeding animals, water slides, cooking meals and baking, campfires and roasting marshmallows, family style dinners and movie nights.

Each camp is tailored to the season, ensuring that activities are not only enjoyable but also safe and suited to the weather. Whether it’s summer jetski days, day trips to the local theme park or cosy winter campfires, there’s always something for everyone and all activities are included in your STA fee. If you’re interested in joining one of our camps, please contact our Camps Team for a quote.

Forming New Friendships

At camp, our participants are able to build meaningful friendships and develop independence through fun-filled social opportunities.

“There is one particular participant that Emily and he go to camp at the same time because she absolutely loves spending time with him, and for her that’s one of her most cherished friendships.” – Emily’s Mum

Whether it’s teaming up for a group activity, sharing stories around the campfire, or working together to prepare or clean up for lunch, these moments help participants connect with others, boost their confidence, and create lasting memories. The supportive environment encourages each participant to step out of their comfort zone, try new things, and discover their own strengths—all while having a blast with new friends!

 

Develop Life Skills

Camps give participants a safe place, where they can relax, be themselves and grow as individuals. Time away from home is such an integral part of growing up, not just for the participant but also for their families. This time away allows participants to really thrive in a new environment and build on the skills they are looking to develop.

Activities that help facilitate this can be anything from; grocery shopping, cooking meals for the group, household tasks and self care. By developing these skills in a new environment, we’ve had feedback that our participants have grown their confidence and then apply it to their everyday living.

Respite and Renewal

When our participants go away to an overnight camp, it gives their parents or caregivers a much-needed chance to rest and recharge. This break provides time to focus on personal needs, spend time with other family members, or simply relax, knowing their loved one is in a safe and supportive environment.

“Another amazing camp during the most perfect time. I was able to finish my Christmas shopping and spend some 1:1 time with the other kids who don’t normally get much time with me. I am just in so much awe of all of these amazing beautiful people. The love and support shown to my Hayden from all just makes me so happy that he has people like them in his life.” – Hayden’s Mum

It’s not just a time of respite; it is an opportunity for parents to gradually give their child independence, allowing them to explore new experiences, develop confidence and build new skills in a supportive environment.

If you’re keen to learn more about our camps, visit our website to see our upcoming dates or call our support team.

By |2025-01-14T05:51:13+11:00August 27, 2024|News, NSW, QLD, VIC, WA|0 Comments
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Exploring Brisbane: Accessible Community Activities for People with Disabilities

Brisbane, a city that prides itself on adventure, culture and inclusion for all. Brisbane is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place where everyone can enjoy amazing experiences, catered for all-abilities. We at What Ability are here to make sure our participants have the opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime, from accessible outdoor adventures to sensory-friendly attractions.

These Brisbane recommendations are perfect for NDIS participants working towards their goals! We’re looking at venues that provide a fun and inclusive environment that promote:

  • Social interaction
  • Skill development
  • Community engagement

We are here to highlight the hidden gems and must-see attractions to make your days-out in Brisbane as fun-filled and inclusive as possible. So without further ado, here are our favourite accessible activities for you to enjoy in Brisbane this Spring!

AND if you haven’t already, you can sign up with the What Ability Foundation to unlock your first experience!

 

 

Variety Livvi’s Place Playground

📍 Hawthorne Park, 100 Riding Rd, Hawthorne QLD 4171

A playground for all ages and abilities, Variety Livvi’s Place Playground leads the way in endorsing inclusive play. The play space ensures people of all abilities can play and learn in a safe environment alongside friends and family.

The playground was designed in tandem with the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ guidelines, created to ensure play spaces are inclusive for all abilities.

So what entails an ‘inclusive play space’?

An inclusive play space caters for all-abilities and is specifically designed for kids and adults with Autism as well as vision, hearing and mobility impairments. The playground is built-in with colour and textural changes in the playground, musical sculptures which exhibit vibrations and sounds, and is also equipped with a ‘Sway Fun’ swing for people in wheelchairs.

Variety Livvi’s Place Playground in Brisbane is located in Hawthorne, thirteen minutes from the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. They have accessible toilets located on the opposite side of the playing field and an electric barbeque, sheltered picnic tables, bench seats and grassy open space, making for endless fun in the sun with friends.

 

 

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

📍 395 Hamilton Rd, Chermside QLD 4032

Ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of freefall without jumping out of an aeroplane? Welcome to the exhilarating world of indoor skydiving, where you can feel the rush of flight in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, located in Chermside 10 km north of Brisbane’s CBD.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving allows people of all abilities to take to the skies assisted by world-class instructors to make your time learning in the skies as fun and safe as possible. Your instructor will guide you through a pre flight tutorial, starting with a mandatory training video. They will also make sure the flight suit is properly fitted and all signals are communicated to make the experience effortless and safe. After your tutorial is finished, you will enter the wind tunnel and experience the freedom and thrill of indoor skydiving. 

The iFLY venues are accessible throughout, including wheelchair-friendly entrances, elevator access, accessible bathrooms, open floor plans, and accessible parking locations nearby. It is also important to note that some flyers have been able to access NDIS Funding to participate in indoor skydiving, making it a regular social activity for many.

 

 

Archie Brothers

📍 30 King St, Bowen Hills QLD 4006

Visiting an arcade is like taking a joyful trip back in time, where the clinking of tokens and the beeps of vintage games set the stage for endless entertainment yet, Archie Brothers by Fun Lab is far from your everyday arcade. 

Prepare to be dazzled and delighted by a spectacle for all ages and all abilities. This fan favourite arcade has easy access to bowling, laser tag, VR experiences, as well as Dodgem Cars! In our opinion, it’s a fun-filled destination for all ages – thank you Funlab crew!

Archie Brothers also accepts Companion Cards and offers free bowling, laser tag & arcades for carers. To help make the venue more accessible, they offer all-day discounted bowling, laser tag and game cards to all people with a disability.

Archie Brothers in Brisbane is located in Bowen Hills, a 9 mins drive from Brisbane’s CBD.

 

Looking for more fun in Brisbane with your support worker? Follow us on socials or if you’re a What Ability participant, check out our activity planners here. 

If you’re keen to know more about how What Ability can support your needs, head to our website or call the team on 1300 358 714. Our Brisbane team can’t wait to hear from you!

By |2024-08-22T06:34:08+10:00August 22, 2024|News, VIC|0 Comments
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Three things you might have missed at the What Ability Day at WA Athletics Stadium!

Sunday 4th of August marked the second year that NDIS provider What Ability took over WA Athletics Stadium for their free community event ‘What Ability Day Perth’. The event hosted over 150 people, celebrating all abilities and having fun on the field with their favourite local athletes like Jai Culley (West Coast Eagles), Josh Rotham (West Coast Eagles), Amy Franklin (West Coast Eagles), Isabella Lewis (West Coast Eagles) and Tom Robertson (Western Force)!

Thanks to the support of their Major Partners, AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners and Tyrepower, and friends at VenuesWest and Virgin Australia, the day was a roaring success!

If you’re looking for disability support that puts happiness first, sign up today!

So, what were the top three highlights of event day? 

 

  • Inclusive Sporting Bodies and businesses coming together

What Ability Days are a celebration of all abilities in our community, uniting a diverse range of sporting bodies to host games at the event!

Participants enjoyed a variety of all-inclusive activities, such as Wheelchair AFL, Adaptive Volleyball, Rowing, Rugby WA’s tackling zone, NRL WA’s passing station, Optus’ Mini Soccer, and AAMI’s frisbee section. 

Harvey Norman’s Soda Stream station was another highlight, keeping everyone refreshed and energised throughout the day. It quickly became a favourite spot for participants and families to recharge, hydrate, and gear up for the next round of fun.

What Ability Perth State Manager, Ian Harvey comments on the incredible support of all organisations involved on the day.

 “I’m still buzzing after our What Ability Day at WA Athletics Stadium! The incredible support from our partners, volunteers, and athletes who dedicated their time made the day truly incredible. The countless smiles and the joy of watching our amazing community try new sports and forge new friendships will stay with me forever—one of the best days of my professional career. Proud and happy don’t even begin to describe it.”

 

  • Celebrating Inclusivity: The Impact of Athletes

Athletes have the power to build an inclusive world! 

At What Ability Days, participants get to meet their sporting heroes, some of whom are their disability support workers! From the likes of Jai Culley, Josh Rotham, Amy Franklin, Tom Robertson and Isabella Lewis, attendees had the best time playing games with their favourite athletes. 

Athletes have a huge impact on our community, they help break down barriers and change the way people perceive disability. We couldn’t be more grateful to have athletes involved in days like these.

 

  • The Power of Community: A Team Effort

Building an inclusive world is a team effort. The What Ability Days would not be what they are without the support of Major Partners AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners, Tyrepower and friends at Virgin Australia.

From planning games to packing event bags on the day, our Major Partners invited their staff to volunteer and help run the Game Zone! This initiative is another endorsement from our Major Partners that helps us build stronger relationships, and break down disability stigmas. It may seem like just another day out, but the staff that volunteer give feedback that their perception has changed and they feel like they are building the community for good.

If you’re looking for 1:1 disability support with community access and overnight camps, get in touch with the team that’s putting happiness first! 

By |2024-08-15T05:45:37+10:00August 15, 2024|News, state based, WA|0 Comments
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