August 20, 2024
NDIS Tips
Top 8 Activities For Adults With Disability In Sydney
Sydney prides itself on being an inclusive city, offering numerous activities suitable for adults living with disabilities. Discover the best that Sydney has to offer with our top activities designed for adults with disabilities. From breathtaking views and vibrant music scenes to serene natural escapes and engaging community events, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the opportunity to explore, connect, and thrive in this wonderful city. Get ready to step out and make the most of Sydney’s accessible and inclusive experiences!
Experience Sydney's Skyline
Take in 360-degree views of Sydney from the top of the Sydney Tower Eye. This iconic attraction is entirely wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the breathtaking cityscape. With support workers available if needed, this experience is a must for those looking to see Sydney from above. The Tower Eye also features interactive touch screens and telescopes that are accessible, providing detailed information about the city’s landmarks.
The BridgeClimb offers inclusive experiences such as Auslan guided tours, hearing loops, and continuous handrails. A lift is also scheduled to be installed later this year, making it even more accessible. If you’re a Sydneysider, you can take advantage of a discounted climb and participate in this thrilling activity with excellent wheelchair access. The climb itself is designed to cater to various abilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Enjoy Sydney's Music and Theatre
A must-visit for any music lover, the Sydney Opera House offers comprehensive accessibility features, including wheelchair access and support for sensory impairments. Enjoy world-class performances with ease and comfort. The Opera House also offers relaxed performances with adjusted sound and lighting to create a more comfortable environment for those with sensory sensitivities.
Committed to providing equal access, the Sydney Theatre Company offers wheelchair-accessible seating, Auslan-interpreted performances, and hearing loops. The Roslyn Packer Theatre at Walsh Bay is fully accessible, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the productions. Additionally, the company offers audio-described performances and tactile tours for those with visual impairments.
Ensemble Theatre offers wheelchair access to all public areas, including the auditorium, box office, and café. They provide assistive listening devices and accommodate requests for Auslan interpreters for specific performances, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees.
This venue provides comprehensive accessibility features, including wheelchair seating, accessible restrooms, and hearing loops. They also offer Companion Card acceptance and have a dedicated team to assist with access requirements. The Hall hosts a variety of performances, from classical music to contemporary shows, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Sydney Festivals
Sydney Festival and Vivid Festival transform the city with art, music, dance, and theatre experiences. Many ‘relaxed’ performances are designed for adults with disabilities, featuring modified sound, lighting, support aids, and dedicated quiet areas. These festivals also offer accessible viewing areas and companion services, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees.
Immerse in Art and Culture
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
The MCA works to connect people with disabilities to contemporary art through programs like the Bella Program, which offers free activities for disabled adults, allowing them to experience art and engage creatively. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and provides sensory tours designed to cater to individuals with different needs.
Art Gallery of NSW
Supporting all-inclusive art experiences, the Art Gallery of NSW offers tactile and sensory tours, as well as Auslan and audio-described tours, making it accessible for people with sensory impairments. The gallery frequently hosts special events and workshops tailored to individuals with disabilities, promoting a rich cultural experience.
Australian Museum
Welcoming all visitors regardless of their ability, the Australian Museum offers quiet time sessions and tactile and sensory tours. With free entry, it’s a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon exploring the exhibits. The museum also provides accessible amenities such as wheelchair-friendly restrooms and elevators, ensuring a comfortable visit for all.
Reconnect with Nature
Royal Botanic Gardens
One of Sydney’s best places to enjoy the outdoors, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers free admission, making it an excellent option for a day out. The gardens provide mobility parking and are wheelchair accessible, ensuring a serene and enjoyable visit. They also offer guided tours that are tailored to various abilities, providing an enriching experience in nature.
Taronga Zoo
Located on Sydney’s north shore, Taronga Zoo is accessible via a short ferry ride from Circular Quay with roll-on/off access. On select days, Taronga hosts ‘Access Taronga’ days, welcoming guests with autism to enjoy the zoo before it opens to the public. The zoo is fully accessible, with pathways designed for wheelchair users and various sensory-friendly activities.
Join Community Activities
Gig Buddies
Gig Buddies pairs individuals with a volunteer buddy to enjoy social activities based on mutual interests. This program fosters social connections and friendships through shared experiences. Whether it’s attending a concert or visiting a local cafe, Gig Buddies ensures a supportive and enjoyable social experience.
Centre For Disability Studies
Hosting accessible catch-ups, the Centre For Disability Studies allows people of all abilities to build friendships, socialise, and gain confidence in various accessible locations across Sydney. These catch-ups often include workshops, discussions, and recreational activities tailored to the needs of the participants.
Achieve Australia’s ‘Friday Hangout’
Achieve Australia runs ‘Friday Hangout’ sessions, social gatherings where adults with disabilities can make new friends and participate in enjoyable activities. These sessions offer a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to game nights, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Stay Active
Accessible Swimming Pools
Sydney offers several wheelchair-accessible swimming pools with ramp and hoist access. Locations such as the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre provide accessible swim sessions. These pools are equipped with amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for individuals with disabilities.
Wheelchair Basketball
Sydney has various clubs and facilities offering wheelchair basketball, promoting physical fitness and social interaction. These clubs provide opportunities for individuals to participate in regular practice sessions and competitive games, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Seated Exercise Classes
Many gyms and community centres in Sydney offer seated exercise classes, perfect for individuals with physical disabilities who want to stay active and fit. These classes cater to different ability levels and help improve overall health and wellbeing through tailored exercise routines.
Therapeutic Horticulture Programs
Community gardens and parks in Sydney offer therapeutic horticulture programs, designed to help individuals with disabilities engage with nature, grow their own food, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. These programs often include guided activities and workshops that promote physical and mental well-being.
Engage in Indoor Activities
Board Games and Craft Sessions
Community centres and local libraries in Sydney host board game nights and craft sessions. These indoor activities are great for socialising, developing new skills, and having fun. Participants can enjoy a variety of games and crafts in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Online Communities
For those times when getting out isn’t possible, joining online communities can be a great way to stay connected. Many Sydney-based groups offer virtual meetups, discussions, and activities that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. These online platforms provide an opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and participate in virtual events.
Local Markets
Exploring local markets can be a fun and inclusive activity. Many markets in Sydney offer wheelchair access and are a great way to enjoy local culture, food, and crafts. These markets often feature live music, food stalls, and a variety of unique items, making them a vibrant place to visit.
Attend Special Events and Programs
Sydney Festival and Vivid Festival
These annual events transform the city with art, music, dance, and theatre experiences. Many performances are designed for adults with disabilities, featuring modified sound, lighting, support aids, and dedicated quiet areas. These festivals also provide accessible viewing areas and companion services, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees.
Community Events and Local Area Programs
Check out community centres for a range of activities and events tailored for adults with disabilities. From social skills workshops to art skills development programs, there are numerous opportunities to engage and participate in local community life. These events often include accessible amenities and are designed to be inclusive for all participants.
Activities for People with Mental Health Disabilities
The Royal Botanic Gardens: Spending time in nature boosts mental health and provides a serene environment.
Therapeutic Horticulture Programs: Engaging with nature through gardening offers therapeutic benefits and stress relief.
Outdoor Meditation and Yoga: These activities promote relaxation and mental well-being in a supportive environment.
Mental Health Support Groups: Provides a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving support from peers.
Art Therapy Programs: Encourages creative expression and emotional healing through art.
Activities for People with Physical Disabilities
The Sydney Tower Eye: Fully wheelchair accessible, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: Inclusive with Auslan guided tours and handrails, suitable for wheelchair users.
Accessible Swimming Pools: Equipped with ramps and hoist access, ideal for exercise and relaxation.
Wheelchair Basketball: An adaptive sport promoting physical fitness and social interaction.
Seated Exercise Classes: Designed for individuals with physical disabilities to stay active and fit.
Activities for People with Intellectual Disabilities
The Gig Buddies: Pairs individuals with a volunteer buddy to enjoy social activities based on mutual interests.
Art Gallery of NSW: Offers tactile and sensory tours for an inclusive art experience.
Achieve Australia’s ‘Friday Hangout’: Social gatherings for making friends and participating in fun activities.
Soundball Tennis: Adaptive tennis programs tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Sydney Opera House ‘Relaxed’ Performances: Modified performances with adjusted sound and lighting for a comfortable experience
