Are you wanting to explore your Interests, learn new skills and connect with your community?
That’s where community access services come in – linking you with various programs, and friends, in a supportive environment.
A wide variety of sports, arts and social activities can be included into your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan.
You can take up new hobbies and learn new skills to increase your independence at home, or as part of your pathway to more independence at work.
Activ is privileged to support more than 1900 people living with intellectual disability to pursue the life they choose. Our community services support participation in everyday life and provide the opportunity for you to try something new, meet new people and better connect with your community. You tell us what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll support you to make It happen.
You can attend Activ’s community access programs in a group at one of our community hubs, or you can receive one to one support with an Activ support worker. Read on to learn more about why you should get Involved In community access programs.
1. Unleash your creativity
Did you know that community access programs include things like music, theatre and visual arts? Whether you’ve always wanted to paint, draw anime, or make your own music, you can receive support not only to get started and create, but to even take part in things like concerts or art exhibitions.
Learn more about how to pursue your passions using a community program on our blog.
Julius is a budding artist who is full of creativity. With the help of community services, he wrote and performed an original song to be featured in an upcoming Activ gala event. Along the way, we saw Julius grow in independence and make new friends to collaborate with in his next project.
With a bit of guidance and the right community services, before you know it, you can be creating your own art or music, or taking part in a range of other creative activities.
We had a ball with our previous community production, “What The Stars Are Made Of” (seen below) – and got a lot of great feedback from everyone involved. Not only that, the confidence and skills our customers gained was off the charts!
2. Increase your independence
You might need some support to complete daily living tasks, and community access programs offer just that. This might include building skills in areas like shopping, taking care of your home, and cooking. Or maybe you’d like to tackle getting around on public transport or planning your budget.
You can build up your confidence and independence at your own pace and focus on the skills that you want to develop.
For Activ customer Cathbeth, that meant achieving his dream of boating. He loves to be on the water, and while at first the idea of a sailing trip seemed like a big adventure, he embarked on a 4-day voyage.
The new experiences he had, enabled Cathbeth to thrive and grow In Independence back on land too.
Whether it’s moving towards doing a greater range of activities independently, gaining new skills, or thriving at home, community services can support you to live the life you choose.
3. New pathways to employment
As well as helping you in your daily life, the skills you learn through community access programs can take you closer to your independence goals in employment.
You can get support to pick up technology skills, create a resume, learn to access study resources by surfing the web, and to find out about job opportunities.
Community services are here to help you with practical skills, as well as giving you more contacts and interactions that could bring you closer to rewarding employment.
4. Make friends
One of the best things to come from community support is the opportunity to join a social group. You can explore your new hobbies and activities alongside each other, as you grow in social skills and confidence.
Even for those who need a bit of a nudge to get out of their comfort zone, making new friends through community access programs is a great reason to go out and get active in the community!
5. Get the support you need
Do you want to get started with new activities through community disability services, but aren’t sure of the next step? Activ’s role is to link you with the support you need. That starts with a chat and making an NDIS plan.
At first, you might not be sure about the activities that you want to take part in, or who can help you along the way. At Activ, we are here to guide you, answer your questions, and connect you with people who are all about helping you find your passion and develop your skills.
Want to know more?
For more information on the National Disability Insurance scheme, check the NDIS website. If you would like to know more about what we can do for you, get in touch with our friendly team today.