July 22, 2024
NDIS Tips
Top 10 Community Activities That Empower Adults with Disabilities
When it comes to community activities for adults with disabilities, there are countless fulfilling and engaging options available. Sometimes, we need a bit of inspiration or a fresh idea to break the routine and add some excitement to our lives.
We’re here to share ten fantastic ideas for activities, both indoor and outdoor, that can add a spark to your leisure time. These inclusive activities help you connect with your community, make new friends, and have a great time – maybe even learning a new skill along the way.
Whether you’re an NDIS participant, a family member, or a support worker, get ready to explore the wonderful world of inclusive and exciting activities.
The Power of Community Engagement
Let’s start by talking about the incredible benefits of getting involved in community activities. It’s not just about having fun (though that’s super important too!). Engaging with your community can boost your social connections, help you grow as an individual, and foster a sense of belonging.
Through regular community-based activities, people can actively engage with their local community and gain extensive benefits, such as:
Building capacity for independent living
Increasing a sense of belonging
Meeting like-minded individuals and forming good relationships
Improving social skills
Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing
Helping the community by advocating for disability inclusion
Community engagement is powerful for everyone, with or without disabilities. Engaging with people in comfortable and achievable ways creates a close-proximity support network, which is invaluable for every community member.
Remember, community means togetherness – you don’t have to navigate these alone. Many places even accept Companion Cards, allowing you to bring a friend or support worker with you to activities and events.
So, let’s dive into some activities you can do in your local area!
Join an Inclusive Sports Team
Sports can be an absolute blast, and inclusive sports teams celebrate everyone’s abilities. Joining a sports team is one of the best community activities for adults with disabilities.
Sports teams can:
- Foster goal setting
- Encourage teamwork skills
- Boost confidence
- Develop leadership skills
- Establish group bonding
- Provide a safe environment to deal with setbacks
Your community support worker can help you explore local sports clubs or fitness centers. Some of these may offer adaptive sports options like wheelchair basketball, inclusive swimming programs, or para-athletics.
Attend Group Fitness Classes
Imagine a supportive and inclusive environment where you can join group fitness classes just for you. Sounds awesome, right?
Group fitness classes are among the best community activities for adults with disabilities. They provide excellent exercise sessions while allowing you to socialize with your community. It’s a win-win!
Your support worker or coordinator can help you get in touch with local gyms or fitness centers to discuss your fitness levels, specific circumstances, and disability needs. While NDIS funding won’t cover gym membership fees, you can use your funding to access a personal trainer.
Look for centers specializing in inclusive fitness programs, which might include:
Seated Aerobics
Yoga for mobility
Wheelchair dancing
Classes for people with intellectual disabilities
Small group personal training
Finding the perfect class or center isn’t always simple, but our support workers are here to lend a hand!
Join a Local Walking Group
Who doesn’t love a good walk in the great outdoors?
Joining a local walking group is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, stay active, and connect with your community. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective community activities for adults with disabilities.
You’ll have the chance to meet people from all walks of life, get some exercise, and soak up beautiful surroundings. Consider going on a sensory walk with a friend or your social support worker. Sensory walks involve exploring areas with a variety of sights, sounds, smells, and textures, keeping your brain active and improving sensory awareness.
Think about new places you can explore locally, but ensure they are safe and accessible before venturing out.
Tend to Your Community Vegetable Patch or Herb Garden
Ever considered digging your hands into the earth and growing your own veggies or herbs? Community gardens offer the perfect opportunity to do just that!
Community gardens are among the best community activities for adults with disabilities. They provide a calming and rewarding experience, allowing you to learn about sustainable practices and taste delicious results.
Check the Community Gardens Australia website to find a garden near you.
Join a Community Theatre
Lights, camera, action!
Community theatres are vibrant places offering a wide range of community activities for adults with disabilities.
Local theatres often embrace people of all abilities, providing a stage for your dreams to come alive. If being on stage isn’t your thing, there are many other roles to explore, such as set and prop making, being part of the backstage crew, or helping to market upcoming shows.
Whether you love acting, stagecraft, or being part of the backstage magic, community theatres welcome you with open arms.
Browse the Local Markets
Ready for another sensory adventure?
Local markets are filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.
Explore unique handicrafts, indulge in tasty treats, and connect with friendly vendors. It’s a great way to support local businesses, experience local culture, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of your community.
Your social support worker can accompany you to the markets and help navigate the exciting hustle and bustle.
Attend Local Trivia Nights
Calling all trivia enthusiasts!
Put your knowledge to the test at local trivia nights held at community venues or pubs.
Gather your friends or join a team for a night of brain-teasing fun. It’s an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself, share a few laughs, and connect with fellow trivia lovers.
Trivia nights often have themes, allowing you to pick areas where you can shine. Whether you excel at general knowledge or know everything about a particular TV show, there’s something for everyone.
Engage with Your Local Library
Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are thriving hubs of knowledge, creativity, and community engagement.
Libraries often offer inclusive programs promoting learning, socialization, and personal growth. Dive into literature, attend book clubs, storytelling sessions, or creative workshops tailored for adults with disabilities.
Check out your local state-run or public library to find activities you might enjoy.
Stimulate Your Brain with Indoor Activities
On cozy indoor days, you can still have a blast with engaging activities like puzzles, board games, painting, or crafting projects that ignite your creativity.
Explore your interests, challenge your mind, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. Look for local arts and crafts groups or games classes – wonderful community activities for adults with disabilities that also help develop new skills.
Join Community Facebook Groups
Embrace the power of online communities with social media. Joining community Facebook groups connects you with like-minded individuals, provides social interactions, and grants access to valuable resources.
Search for local Facebook groups focused on disability support, inclusive activities, or specific interests. Share experiences, seek advice, and stay updated on exciting events in your area.
Don’t have a Facebook account? Browse local events by checking community center corkboards or flipping through community magazines.
How Abled Care Services Can Help
Community support workers play a crucial role in facilitating activities for adults with disabilities. They connect you with services and resources, offer emotional support, and provide guidance throughout different activities and environments.
From scheduling to accompanying you to events, they ensure comfort and safety, making these experiences enjoyable. If you’d like someone to accompany you to these activities, a social support worker may be perfect for you. They foster social skills and independence, assist with transportation, and join you in a range of fun activities.
Abled Care Services is here to champion you every step of the way, facilitating fun and rewarding community activities. If you’re eager to learn more about how we can help, explore our services and let us be part of your journey.
