Ensuring the community has access to a range of programs, no matter their abilities, is the goal of the newly formed All Abilities Alliance.
The group, which has launched this month as part of Autism Awareness Month, is made up of a number of community members who work in the community service sector or who have a vested interested in all abilities access.
Member of the All Abilities Alliance Gayle Reynolds said the group was formed to identify trends, gaps and barriers to service delivery, share training opportunities and work with the service providers to address areas of concerns.
“The All Abilities Alliance's (AAA) purpose is to provide an open forum for interested persons in Disability and Mental Health Wellbeing to work collaboratively, identify gaps and barriers, develop strategies and responses, and share information and resources,” Gayle said.
The AAA aims to bring together key partners to work collaboratively to provide opportunities for:
- Information and resource linkages
- Strengthening relationships and partnerships
- Promoting strategies that enhance community wellbeing
- Operating for the benefit of all people regardless of gender, country of origin, language, culture, sexual orientation or religion.
With April being Autism Awareness Month, the group is hoping to celebrate and promote acceptance for autism within the community.
“Autism Awareness Month emphasises the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us,” Gayle said.
“Autism is a complex developmental condition affecting the people’s ability to interact, communicate, and progress, with not one but many subtypes.
“The month aims to improve the lives of all Australians on the autism spectrum and the families who love them.
“Once diagnosed the next hurdle is to navigate through the maze of treatment and therapy options… how do I choose which way to go?”
The All Abilities Alliance group has a number of activities planned throughout the month, including the walk for autism fundraiser.
The calendar of upcoming events as part of the alliance’s plans include:
- April 3 – Walk for autism
- April 6 – Stepping into Bundaberg Sport School Holiday Ten Pin Bowling Free Program
- April 7 – Stepping into Bundaberg Sport School Holiday Surfing Free Program
- April 8 – Park Play
- April 20 – Stepping into Bundaberg Sport Free Boxing
- April 21 – Bundaberg Autism Seminar
- April 21 – Free Movie Night
- April 28 – Morning Tea in Gin Gin
- April 28 – Stepping into Bundaberg Sport Free Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
- April 29 – Bundaberg Disability Expo
Bundaberg Regional Council provides secretariat for this network, sharing minutes, reminders, providing venues for meetings and maintaining the momentum of regular bi-monthly meetings.
You can get involved in All Abilities Alliance by attending a meeting, interacting with the group online or at one of the many community events that will be held throughout the year.
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