NSW

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.

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!

NSW Waratahs partner with What Ability 

Tuesday 5 March 2024

The NSW Waratahs are proud to announce that they will be joining forces with What Ability as an Official Community Partner in 2024.

What Ability is an NDIS registered disability support service that specialises in 1:1 community access and camps. What Ability employ capable, fit and friendly support workers across the country, some of which are professional and semi-professional athletes. What Ability’s vision is to build an inclusive world. Through their use of athletes as support workers, they aspire to break down the stigma of disabilities and help more families.

What Ability Founder Steve Dresler saw the benefits first-hand of athletes as support workers having faced early retirement through injury. What Ability is the evolution of Steve’s innate desire to create a positive impact amongst his peers.

Jared Chapman, What Ability CEO is thrilled about the new partnership, saying “We couldn’t be more excited to make our partnership with the Waratahs official. Both Angus and Leilani have been an integral part of our story and vision to build an inclusive world. It is partnerships like this that are helping us put happiness first for more families across the country.”

The Waratahs have previously had an association with What Ability through players such as Angus Bell and Leilani Nathan and are thrilled to formalise a partnership with the entire organisation in 2024.

“I’ve fallen in love with the work that What Ability does and I’m excited that they’re now an Official Community Partner of the Waratahs,” said Bell, who first joined What Ability as a support worker back in 2021.

“Athletes can play a massive role in the sector and in turn, it’s provided a positive ripple effect throughout my life.

“The whole experience has been a massive eye-opener for me. I absolutely love spending time with the participants, and I’ve grown a lot by having the responsibility of supporting someone else.

“Through giving to someone else you can also make yourself really happy.

“I’d highly recommend being a support worker with What Ability to other athletes because we can provide a positive difference in raising awareness and helping those with disabilities integrate into the community.”

Leilani Nathan is similarly thrilled to be broadening the Waratahs relationship with What Ability.

“What Ability is a wonderful organisation that makes a huge difference in the community, particularly the disability sector,” said the talented backrower.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working with What Ability, making connections with some awesome people, and seeing the smiles on their faces.
“I know a lot of my teammates are looking forward to getting involved this year and I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

The Waratahs partnership with What Ability will be officially launched in the Rugby for Good Round (Round 4) on March 16 at Allianz Stadium, where participants from What Ability will take the field forming a Guard of Honour for the men’s match against the Blues.

Alongside What Ability in the Guard of Honour will be, Platinum Partner of the NSW Waratahs Women and Official Charity Partner Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation, NSW Waratahs Charity Round Partner Bear Cottage, and the Positive Rugby Foundation.

Purchase your tickets for the Waratahs double-header here, where the women’s side will be going head-to-head against the ACT Brumbies, followed by the men’s clash with the Blues.

Manly Sea Eagles renew their partnership with What Ability for another year of putting happiness first.

Thursday 22 February 2024

Manly Sea Eagles and What Ability, a leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, have announced the renewal of their community partnership focused on another season of unforgettable moments, unwavering teamwork, and unmatched dedication to building an inclusive world.

What Ability specialises in one-to-one community access for people living with disability by pairing them with support workers, which include a number of Australia’s elite and emerging sportspeople including Tom Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Ben Trbojevic and Karl Lawton from the NRL Manly Sea Eagles. Activities are tailored to participants’ goals and needs which can see them meeting their sporting heroes while accessing community activities and overnight camps.

As part of the renewal, Manly Sea Eagles will continue to support What Ability in putting happiness first for people living with a disability. To benefit What Ability, Manly Sea Eagles will facilitate inclusive initiatives throughout the season; such as significant involvement in their community round, tickets to home games for What Ability participants and visibility to their community and network.

What Ability’s General Manager of Sport, Georgie Exton, said the decision to renew the community partnership was easy. 

“We saw such success in the first year of the partnership with Manly, with our players having active support worker roles and participants cheering along during games. This partnership brought joy to our participants and their families. The 2023 season provided unforgettable moments for our community and really raised the visibility of what we are trying to achieve in the sector.” Exton said.

What Ability CEO, Jared Chapman said the renewal of the partnership would ultimately strengthen the community. 

“Tom, Jake, Ben, Karl and Sean’s involvement has been a true testament to the partnership and Manly’s role in our story of building an inclusive world. Their involvement goes beyond mere participation; it embodies a shared vision, resonating with our collective mission of putting happiness first for people living with a disability. Essentially, the partnership highlights Manly’s pivotal role as a catalyst for change and influence in the community.”

To follow this partnership, check out What Ability (@whatability) and Manly Sea Eagles (@manlyseaeagles) on socials or if you’re looking for disability support, head to https://whatability.com.au/services/need-support/ to find out more.

Our final What Ability Day of 2023 happened at GIANTS HQ and what a day it was!

The day brought the Sydney community together for a day filled with athletes, activities, fun, smiles and of course, happiness. 

Over 200 people attended the event, including Tom and Jake Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles), Piper Duck (Wallaroos), Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Lauren Cheatle (Sydney Sixers) and more!

Participants had the best time kicking the ball around and relaxing on the field alongside athletes from the top sporting codes.

Jared Chapman, What Ability CEO said “I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. Seeing the community, athletes and staff come together for a disability inclusive event like today is so special.

Being able to include our Melbourne participants and their support workers was a once in a lifetime experience experience, thanks to our friends at Virgin Australia, I know our team will never forget.

Days like this reminds me why putting happiness first for people living with a disability is so important. We couldn’t be more grateful for the support of our Major Partners, volunteers and our What Ability athletes, for embracing our ‘why’ and helping us make our community a more inclusive place.”

The event was even featured on Channel 7, 9 and 10. We are very grateful to be able to share our work in helping to build a more inclusive world.

Thank you to everyone involved in the day, including our community partner, GWS GIANTS, our athletes, volunteers and support workers. A huge shout out to our friends at Virgin Australia, and Major Partners AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners & Tyrepower for helping us create an unforgettable day for people living with a disability! 

Also big thanks to Soda Stream and My Muscle Chef for joining us on the day!

Check out the full photo album here.

 

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Rugby Australia and What Ability, an NDIS provider, join forces with a shared mission of prioritising happiness for people living with disabilities.

Friday, 27th October 2023

Rugby Australia and What Ability, a leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, will unite to put happiness first for people living with disabilities across the country.

What Ability is an NDIS provider that utilises professional and semi-professional athletes as support workers to provide community based experiences for people living with a disability, including swimming, bush walks, beach days, indoor activities and overnight camps. 

Together they’re harnessing the power of sport to support all abilities and place inclusion at the forefront of Rugby, whilst simultaneously increasing visibility of disability on a national scale.

What Ability CEO Jared Chapman said: “This commitment from Rugby Australia is paving the way forward towards a more inclusive Australia. There are great synergies between our organisations and we believe this partnership will strengthen their already inclusive framework. We’re creating real change and are able to continue putting happiness first for people living with a disability.”

Rugby Australia General Manager of Community Rugby Michael Procajlo said: “We are committed to providing opportunities for everyone in the community to be involved and respected within rugby. Partnering with What Ability is a significant step forward as they will play a key role in promoting GingerCloud Foundation’s Modified Rugby Program (MRP), which is a world class program established for neurodiverse young people. Together we look forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with a disability.”

What Ability Support Worker and Wallabies prop Angus Bell is very excited about the partnership, commenting on the utmost importance of the collaboration, “Rugby is such a key and celebrated part of Australian culture. For inclusion and diversity to be at the centre of the game with the support of What Ability is truly amazing. I can’t wait to see how this partnership evolves.” 

What Ability provide extensive training to ensure support workers are capable, fit and confident in their role. Their training includes the following qualifications; Epilepsy Essentials, First Aid/CPR certificate, NDIS Orientation Module, NDIS Worker Check, Police Check, Water Rescue, Working with Children Check, two professional references, and where applicable, Safety Interventions, Medication administration training and Emergency Medication administration training.

What Ability provide extensive training to ensure support workers are capable, fit and confident in their role. Their training includes the following qualifications; Epilepsy Essentials, First Aid/CPR certificate, NDIS Orientation Module, NDIS Worker Check, Police Check, Water Rescue, Working with Children Check, two professional references, and where applicable, Safety Interventions, Medication administration training and Emergency Medication administration training.

Harvey Norman and What Ability renew partnership for three years as they pave the way for inclusive initiatives in the disability sector 

Friday, 22nd September 2023

Harvey Norman and What Ability, a leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, have announced the three year renewal of their partnership focused on putting happiness first for Aussies living with a disability. 

What Ability specialises in one-to-one community access for people living with disability by pairing them with support workers, which include a number of Australia’s elite and emerging sportspeople including Olivia Kernick, NRLW Sydney Rooster player and support worker and Shaun Bruce, Sydney Kings player and support worker. Activities are tailored to participants’ goals and needs which can see them meeting their sporting heroes while accessing community activities and overnight camps. 

As part of the partnership, Harvey Norman will continue to support What Ability in building an inclusive world. To benefit What Ability, Harvey Norman has implemented inclusive initiatives such as activations at camp, in-store cooking experiences, and collaborations with other key brands and partners. Their in-store teams are also supporting extended families through personalised in store shopping experiences and VIP cards. 

“Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page said the decision to renew the partnership between What Ability and Harvey Norman was easy. We have seen first-hand the joy the What Ability activities bring for all the participants. The joy of cooking, attending camp, art or bowling these are the dimensions of life that bring fulfilment. Sharing these moments with elite and emerging sportspeople – role models for us all – creates an added inspiration that endures long after the activity has concluded. 

“We know that it also benefits the families of the participants living with a disability as it provides them with an opportunity to take some time out knowing that their family member is having the time of their life.”

What Ability Founder, Steve Dresler said the renewal of the collaboration would ultimately strengthen the existing partnership and enrich the lives of all participants around the country:

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to renew our partnership with Harvey Norman for another three years. Their team shares our vision of building an inclusive world and have embraced our mission to put happiness first for people living with a disability. They have helped us gain visibility and provided unforgettable memories for our participants” he said.

“Through our shared resources, knowledge, and passion, we’ve been able to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and participate fully in society. The success of this partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when organisations with shared values come together to make a difference.”

What Ability is currently active in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia, with plans to expand in South Australia soon. To follow this collaboration, check out Harvey Norman (@harveynormanau) and What Ability (@whatability) on social media or if you’re looking for disability support, head to https://whatability.com.au/services/need-support/ to find out more.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Katie Philipson, Marketing Coordinator, [email protected]

HR imagery available upon request. 

About Harvey Norman:

Harvey Norman is a large Australian-based, multinational retailer of furniture, bedding, computers, communications and consumer electrical products. Choose from appliances, computers, TVs, furniture and more at their website, https://www.harveynorman.com.au/ 

About What Ability:

What Ability is an NDIS registered disability support service that specialises in 1:1 community access and camps. They connect you with capable, fit and friendly support workers across the country, some of which are professional athletes. If you’re looking for disability support, head to https://whatability.com.au/services/need-support/ to find out more.