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 |2025-05-22T11:54:59+10:00August 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 |2025-05-22T11:57:29+10:00August 22, 2024|News, VIC|0 Comments
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How to use your NDIS funding with What Ability

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when trying to make the most of your funding. At What Ability, we are dedicated to helping families get the most out of their NDIS plans by providing services that prioritise safety, community engagement and fun! Here’s a step-by-step guide to using your NDIS funding with What Ability to enhance your family’s support experience.

Looking for new support workers? Our team is ready! You pick the adventure and we’re in! To get started check out our top pages:

 

 

1. Understanding Your NDIS Plan

Before diving into the services What Ability offers, it’s crucial to understand the basics of your NDIS plan. Your plan will detail the funding you have available across different categories, such as Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports. For What Ability’s services, you’ll mainly be using your Core Supports funding, which covers assistance with daily life and community participation.

 

 

 2.  Identify Your Needs

Take some time to identify your family’s specific needs and goals. What types of support are most beneficial for you or your family member? Are you looking for community access, social activities, or perhaps some short-term accommodation (1:1 STA (Camp)? What Ability offers a range of services tailored to meet diverse needs, including:

  • 1:1 Community Access: Personalised support to help participants engage in community activities, build social skills, and enjoy outings safely.
  • Overnight Camps / 1:1 STA: Fun and safe overnight care where participants can make new friends, try new activities, and develop independence.

Behaviour Support Plans: Our inhouse team of experienced Behaviour Support Practitioners are ready to help build out a tailored strategy designed to implement positive interventions to improve overall behaviour and quality of life.

 

 

3. Match Services to Your NDIS Goals

Review your NDIS goals and see how What Ability’s services align with them. For example, if one of your goals is to increase social participation, our 1:1 community access programs can help achieve this. If building independence and trying new activities is a priority, our overnight camps are an excellent choice. More examples could be:

  • Goal: Enhance social skills and build friendships by participating in activities with people of a similar age. Match with: 1:1 Community Access
  • Goal: Develop skills for greater independence in daily life and new experiences. Match with: Overnight Camps. Participants have the opportunity to try new activities, make decisions, and take on responsibilities in a fun setting. These activities could be cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning up after a meal, setting up the table for dinner etc 
  • Goal: Improve physical health through regular exercise and active participation in physical activities. Match with: 1:1 Community Access. We’ve built a youthful workforce that are ready to get moving with you! From beach days to long park walks or scouting out your local waterfall view, we’ve got you covered to get the heart rate up!

 

 

4. Contact What Ability

Reach out to our crew to discuss your specific needs and how our services can fit into your NDIS plan. Our friendly team can help you understand the process and provide detailed information on how to book and use our services. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re making the most of your funding.

 

 

5. Book Your Services

Once you’ve decided on the services that best meet your needs, booking with What Ability is straightforward. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary paperwork and approvals are in place. Whether you choose community access or an overnight camp, we handle the details so you can focus on what matters most – enjoying the experience.

 

 

6. Monitor and Review

Regularly review your NDIS plan and funding usage to ensure you’re on track with your goals. What Ability is committed to supporting you throughout your NDIS journey. If your needs change, or if you have any questions, our team is always here to assist.

 

 

Why Choose What Ability?

At What Ability, we believe in making a positive impact by prioritising fun and safety in all our services. Our dedicated support squad is trained to provide high-quality care, ensuring every participant has a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. By choosing What Ability, you’re not just accessing services; you’re joining a community that values inclusion at its core.

 

 

Get Started Today!

Ready to make the most of your NDIS funding with What Ability? Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can help support your family. If you’re looking for disability support, get in touch with the What Ability support squad. Together, we can create unforgettable experiences and achieve your goals.

For more information or to book a service, visit our website or call our friendly team. Let’s make the most of your NDIS funding and embark on this exciting journey together!

 

By |2025-05-22T12:00:21+10:00August 5, 2024|News, state based|0 Comments
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