<--- return to Hot Topic index

Q: Are there any organisations that offer recreational options for people with disability? Where can I go to meet new people and mix socially?

A:  There are organisations where you can meet other people with disabilities that arrange group outings. A good place to start is your local neighbourhood centre, community centre or community transport organisation. Wheelchair and disabled sporting groups have ‘come and try’ sessions and social events. D-ability (www.d-ability.org) will point you to them. Accessible Arts (www.aarts.net.au) run their own activities and can tell you about others.

However there are also lots of other opportunities to become involved in different activities outside of the specialist disability or community services and ways to stay involved in the hobbies and interests that you enjoyed before you acquired a disability. These activities can also be a way for you to obtain skills that could lead to employment.

Depending on ability there is a wide range of outlets for you, including TAFE and community college courses, and clubs for all tastes and interests.

Here are some experiences from people we know.

Your author has been playing competitive club chess for quite a few years. Once at the board it’s you and me, bub … mano a mano. I play in three main competitions each year—two in my home club and another representing it in the interclub NSW Chess Association comp. Most chess clubs are located within registered clubs and, as access to them has improved over the years, I go to sessions without a second thought. So if you’ve been playing the computer all these years … come and see how good you really are. The only real chess is over the board with the clock ticking and a cold glare at your opponent.

Shanon paddles canoes in the Cronulla Outrigger Club. An L4 paraplegic, Shanon’s powerful arms make him a valuable member of the six-man squad. “The only difference between them and me is that I have a wheelchair waiting for me on the dock and they have their shoes and socks.”

When Michaelina’s nieces began playing soccer she went to watch a few games and soon became involved, helping with training sessions and taking on the administrative tasks involved in the competition. “Seeing me at the training sessions was quite motivational for the team. Often they would go, knowing that I would be there and not wanting to let me down. I was then asked to be chairperson for the junior division. It’s been a great way to participate in social activities and make new friends.”

Joe volunteers as a mentor at a university. Although he hasn’t yet returned to work following his injury, he can keep his knowledge up to date while he’s helping students. At the same time he’s enjoying meeting new people, and he hopes that by staying in touch with his profession he’ll be able to return to his work soon.

Before her accident Sophie was too busy to follow her passion for the arts.  While in rehab she started to do some painting and when she returned home she completed a course in pottery at the local adult education centre. “I love the feeling of the clay. I use an electric wheel—obviously I can’t use a kick-wheel—and although I can’t make some things because of my hands I get some amazing shapes. I’ve even had some of my work shown at the art fair and sold a few pieces. A group of us get to use the equipment when there aren’t any classes—it turns into a real gossip session.”

After his injury Daoud found that the neighbourhood centre was a good place to meet people and there was also a regular Arabic speaking group. He joined the management committee and is now its treasurer. “Even though I’m back at work now, I’ve made good friends here and I want to continue supporting a place that has given me so much.”

Brian was always told that he had a good voice for radio. He volunteered at his local community radio station, learnt how programs are put together and started to write a few scripts. He also got some spots on air presenting a show about disability issues. He hopes he’ll find work in professional radio with his new skills.

In Sonia’s role as the publicity officer within a small fundraising branch of a children’s charity she produces a monthly newsletter, designs posters for the group’s fundraising activities and submits advertisements to the local media.  Sonia particularly wants to maintain her computer skills and community contacts while she is not employed. “I’m a stay at home mum so I really value the adult interaction and I’m able to help out when it is convenient for me.” 

Spencer was contacted by his local rural fire service to help out manning the telephones one afternoon during bushfire prevention operations.  That was six years ago and Spencer hasn’t looked back since. He now coordinates the training days and has completed a first aid certificate.  “I treasure the friendships I’ve made and I know my voluntary contributions are very much appreciated.”

Vanessa was an active member of a patchwork sewing group before her injury and although she enjoyed learning new skills, it was the group’s social lunches she missed most. After her children upgraded her sewing machine to a new pushbutton model, Vanessa was thrilled to actively participate in all of the group’s activities once again. Long lunches are back on the agenda and Vanessa is so pleased to be leading some of the workshops herself now.

Dianna knew she needed to improve her confidence when meeting new people so she accepted her friend’s invitation to attend a toastmaster’s evening.  “You wouldn’t believe how nervous I was before my first presentation … wow, have I come a long way!” Dianna’s communication skills and self-confidence have improved so dramatically, she eagerly awaits each new public speaking opportunity.  She hopes to explore some paid presentation options in the corporate arena in the future.