Meeting new people is one of the joys of life – and an important goal for many people with a disability. Feeling part of a community and having an active social life is a great way to improve self-esteem and quality of life.
If you are looking to engage further with your local community but not sure where to start, we’ve got some tips regarding the kind of support that is available.
Community Groups
Most areas have community service activities for people with a disability. If you’re looking for information, a good place to start is the Disability Online hub, which hosts a list of social networks across NSW.
One of these is The National Information Communication Awareness Network (NICAN), which was founded to promote social inclusion for people with a disability and has extensive information on recreation, sports and arts activities for people with disabilities.
The Centre for Disabilities in Sydney also runs a social networking group at the University of Sydney on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm – 8pm. It brings people with and without disabilities together for conversation, plus a meal at a local pub. It’s a great way to meet new people from different backgrounds in a relaxed setting!
Whether you’d like to get involved in a local sports group through Disability Sports Australia or an Accessible Arts program, there’s something out there for you.
Getting to Community Events
Most trains and buses in NSW are accessible by people with a disability, with services improving all the time. The Transport NSW website has a comprehensive list of services here.
The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme is also available for NSW residents who can’t use public transport. It covers 50% of a total taxi fare, up to the value of $60 per journey.
Coordination of Supports
Zest Care has dedicated Support Coordinators who can assist you in finding tailored Supports that will help you achieve your goals and participate more fully in the community. This includes developing your NDIS plan, matching you with the right services, finding social groups and monitoring how your funds are spent.
We can help you get out into the community and achieve your goals for an active social life. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist.
Resources:
Https://www.aboutlearningdisabilities.co.uk/maintaining-social-life-when-you-have-disability.html
https://cds.org.au/promoting-inclusion/social-networking-group/