ConnectABILITY

Connect with YOUR Community through sport

Getting out and being active is a major part of everyone’s health and wellbeing. But being active can sometimes be tough for people living with disability.

This page will help you get a better understanding of ConnectABILITY and how it may support your activity goals.

About ConnectABILITY

ConnectABILITY provides a specialised, supportive and practical ‘linkup’ service between people living with disability and community sporting groups, helping to break down barriers and open doors to a range of new recreation and sporting possibilities.

As a service we provide, ConnectABILITY includes:

  • Assessments conducted by Novita’s recreation officers who provide participants’ and families with the latest recreation information tailored to individual interests and the practical needs of the family
  • Support to families to link into a recreation, sporting or performing arts program
  • Promotion of inclusive ‘come and try’ activities

ConnectABILITY also provides individualised, expert support to community recreation groups and clubs who want to make their programs more inclusive for people with additional needs, in addition to volunteer mentoring opportunities.

 

What is the aim of the ConnectABILITY program?

ConnectABILITY is a program that aims to provide people living with disability greater access to community-based sport and recreation activities.

 

Making community sports and recreation more accessable

ConnectABILITY in a flexible service offering and can be delivered in different ways, including:

  • as a supported recreation program that will increase the number of people with physical disabilities participating in community-based recreation programs
  • as an additional, individualised, expert support to community-organised recreation groups and clubs that are looking to enhance their inclusion strategies and increase their membership base
  • as a service involving members of the community through the development of volunteer mentoring opportunities within the program.

The program always involves Novita’s expert staff working side-by-side with clients, families, sporting groups, and volunteers, providing advice on appropriate strategies and activities and helping to create a safe, supportive environment where people living with disability can ‘have a go’.

 

Who is eligible for ConnectABILITY?

Novita clients are eligible and can register for ConnectABILITY. If you are not registered as a Novita client, please call 1300 668 482 or email services@novita.org.au.

 

What happens after I apply for the program?

Typically, clients registered for the ConnectABILITY program will be contacted by one of Novita’s Recreation Officers to discuss ways we can support you. For Clients requesting practical support to connect with recreation activities, a time will be made to sit down together and to talk about interests. Further assistance will be discussed depending on each client’s needs.

At the initial appointment, a recreation officer obtains information from the client on current interests, recreation goals, previous recreation experience and indication of recreation activities to include in package. This information is then used to create an individualised recreation information package.

The initial appointment is usually face to face or via phone and takes approximately 45minutes. The client does not necessarily need to be in attendance at this initial assessment, as the Recreation officer works closely with the therapy team to ensure the information is suitable.

The recreation officer then uses approximately 4.5 hours to research and develop an information package. This package is then sent to the family via email and/or post. Approximately 1 hour is then used to follow up. A total of 6-7 hours is used for the ConnectABILITY program at a rate of $86.79/hour. This is charged through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) under – Improved Daily Living Skills.

 

Where is ConnectABILITY located?

Novita’s ConnectABILITY Recreation Officers are based at each of our Adelaide service sites at Hindmarsh, St Mary’s, Elizabeth and Parafield Gardens whilst also providing services to clients living in regional areas.

 

How do I register my child?

To register for ConnectABILITY, speak with your therapy team or contact us today on 1300 668 482 or email services@novita.org.au to arrange an initial appointment.

At the first appointment, the recreation officer will discuss with you and your child what community recreation linking assistance you would like.

 

Further information

For more information about ConnectABILITY or to register as a volunteer, please contact us on 1300 668 482 or email services@novita.org.au.