Being active and participating in sporting and recreational activities is an important part of our health and wellbeing. Getting out and being active can play such an important role in maintaining good physical and mental health.

Kids and young people engage in a variety of activities that deliver learning, fun and friendship - from babies engaging in play with their parents and families through to young people participating in team sports organised by their school or local club or going to the movies with their friends.

Being active and participating in sport and recreation can present some challenges for kids, young people and adults living with disability. Removing any barriers to participation can ensure people living with disability can be active, have fun, join in, and access all that their community has to offer, kids and young people living with disability may have additional needs and may require some support to make the most of sporting and recreational opportunities – whether it be tackling physical access, building confidence, or improving communication and social skills.

Novita’s ConnectABILITY aims to provide people living with disability greater access to community-based sport and recreation activities, It is a specialised, supportive and practical program that connects kids and young people living with disability to community sport and recreation groups, helping to break down the barriers and open doors to a wide range of activities and opportunities.

ConnectABILITY delivers a range of services for clients and families including:

• a supported recreation program that increases the number of people living with physical disability participating in community-based recreation programs
• individualised, expert support for community-based sporting and recreational organisations and clubs that want to enhance their inclusion strategies and increase their membership base
• involving members of the community through the development of volunteer mentoring opportunities with the program.

Novita’s expert staff work closely with clients, families, sporting and recreation groups, and volunteers to develop appropriate strategies and activities that build a safe, supportive environment for people living with disability so they can ‘have a go’.

Clients and families keen to benefit from the ConnectABILITY program will be contacted by a Novita Recreation Officer to discuss ways that support can be offered. Clients needing practical support to connect with sporting and recreational activities will have an opportunity to discuss their interests and the best ways for them to be able to participate, depending on their individual needs.

Novita also supports other recreational activities, including:

Swimming and aquatic therapy 

Swimming is a great way for individuals to be active, have fun, keep fit and move by themselves in the water – the warm water in the pool helps to keep muscles strong and relaxed. Aquatic therapy is therapy in the water – it doesn’t always lead to swimming, but it teaches movement in the water. Aquatic therapy is suitable for all ages and can be conducted in one-on-one sessions or in groups.

Gym and fitness groups

Groups are a great way for kids living with disability to get to know other kids and have some fun while they are getting fit. A range of disability providers such as Novita and local community groups run fitness programs, including for kids and young people.

Bike riding 

Riding a bike is an excellent way to exercise the body, strengthen the legs, and have fun.

School holiday recreation programs

Programs for school-aged kids and young people living with disability, conducted during the school holidays. Novita’s friendly and professional Support Workers encourage everyone to participate while also ensuring they are meeting every individual’s development and health care needs. School holiday recreation program activities are designed with the personal interests and emotional needs of each young person to ensure everyone enjoys themselves. Activities include cooking, arts and crafts, science, fitness, music and dance, drama, and excursions. All School holiday recreation program staff hold current First Aid certificates and clearances for working with children.

Talk to your therapist or Novita team member about other sporting and recreational opportunities that might be available.

Novita’s Wheelienet program is a fun and interactive educational and recreational program for schools, corporate organisations and community groups that helps participants to gain a greater understanding and awareness of the issues and challenges facing people living with disability. Wheelienet also raises awareness of wheelchair sports – with a game of wheelchair basketball often included in a Wheelienet session – as well as encouraging safe driving, highlighting the dangers of drink-driving, drug-taking and poor decision-making in everyday life, improving the understanding of people living with spinal cord injury, and encouraging participation.

Wheelienet sessions – which take from 45 to 90 minutes - are suitable for groups of all ages, with kindergartens, lower and upper primary schools, high schools, corporate organisations, community groups, youth groups, and sporting clubs among the groups that could benefit from the program’s important messages.

Participants in Wheelienet sessions will gain a greater awareness of:

• the impacts of spinal cord injuries
• injury prevention
• the everyday issues and challenges facing people living with disability
• sporting opportunities for people living with disability.

Wheelchair football is becoming an accessible and fun way for people of all ages living with disability – and people who don’t live with disability – to get active and participate in sport. Novita is the naming rights partner for the South Australian National Football League’s (SANFL) Wheelchair Football League.

Played on a basketball court with goal posts at each end, wheelchair football involves teams of five with two defenders, two forwards, and one midfielder. A handball in wheelchair football is the equivalent of a kick, and an underarm throw is the equivalent of a handball in regular Aussie Rules. Teams can be mixed gender, all ages, and a blend of players with and without disability.

Some great products to support kids, young people and adults participating in sporting and recreational activities include:

Frame Runners/Race Runners 

These bike-like devices with no pedals are designed to support users to walk, run, build up speed and participate in more outdoor physical exercise. Suitable for people of all ages who find it difficult to walk or run without assistance – especially those living with cerebral palsy, arthritis, and other conditions that affect mobility and balance. Race Running is an exciting new sport which has been added to the program for the World Paralympic Games.

All Sport Manual Wheelchair 

For those who like on-court action, All Sport manual wheelchairs are ideal for sports such as basketball, football, tennis, and rugby. They are very durable, adjustable, and manoeuvrable.

All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair 

These wheelchairs move smoothly over a range of surfaces including sand, grass, mud, gravel, and small rocks, making it ideal for outdoor recreational activities and adventures. The special soft and pliable wheels provide a smoother ride on beaches, trails, sports fields, and other challenging terrain. Most models are easily disassembled to fit easily into the boot of a medium-sized car.

All-Terrain Mobility Stroller 

Lightweight, rugged, and compact when folded – this off-road, all-terrain 3-wheeled stroller offers great access to the great outdoors. In a range of sizes for kids and adults.