As part of our Summer Series we will be looking at fun, accessible adventures you can do over your summer vacation. With more activities and places opening up, it’s time to make the most of it!
Adaptive Sport and Recreation:
NSW Waterski Federation’s Disabled Division is a water ski program that enables people with a physical disability or vision impairment to participate in waterskiing activities across summer. From first-time skiers to those who are more serious about the sport, there is something for everyone. It’s a great opportunity to get out into the great outdoors and learn something new!
Empower golf provides inclusive services and adaptive equipment across Australia for golf lovers. The ParaGolfer is an adaptive all-terrain wheelchair that allows golfers to stand up through raising the user into a standing position to allow for a better golf swing. Alongside the assistive equipment, Empower Golf provides a series of golf clinics for beginners and private coaching and support services.
Tennis Australia – The Australian Open is right around the corner. So, if you’re keen to sit back and relax in the sunshine, the Aus Open will be the place for you. This year’s Open will be particularly memorable as it is Dylan Alcott’s final year competing. Alcott will be playing to defend his quad wheelchair singles title for the eighth consecutive year in 2022. The first of any player to do so at the Australian Open.
Alongside the Aus Open, Tennis Australia is holding a series of tennis coaching opportunities and programs. From kids tournaments to cardio tennis and free open court social sessions around Sydney and Melbourne. Tennis Australia also offers sessions for players using a wheelchair from a beginner level to those with intermediate skills. The Wheelchair Tennis Loan Program enables those without an adaptive wheelchair to participate in the sport.
Cruises:
Cruise ships are the all-in-one holiday perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing getaway or for someone who’s ready for an action-packed vacation. Planning any holiday when in a wheelchair can be daunting, but luckily many modern cruise ships have enhanced accessibility on board.
Here are a few tips for wheelchair cruisers:
- If you’re using a travel agent, ensure you make them aware of your mobility and accessibility needs. They can ensure that you can get assistance from the crew and ensure all your needs are met on board.
- Book your tickets and rooms early so you can get access to rooms with disabled access.
- Ask for as much assistance as you can. Many cabin crew will do everything they can to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. But on some cruise ships, the crew cannot offer direct personal care assistance while onboard due to safety and legal reasons.
Tours:
Guided tours and group holidays are a great way to visit new places and meet fellow travellers. But when it comes to disability and wheelchair accessible travel, the options are often limited. Leisure Options is a family-operated business that organises accessible holidays for people of all abilities. Over the years, they’ve made trips all around the world, including Buckingham Palace and Disneyland in Los Angeles. More recently, because of the effects of Covid-19, Leisure Options have focused on local and interstate travel, showing off what Australia has to offer.
Their packages can include:
- Individual and group holidays
- Respite care
- Cruises and tours
- Complete planned holiday packages
Check out their 2021-2022 Holiday Brochure to see if there are any holidays that interest you!