Able Australia

01/12/2025

Emily was born non-verbal and autistic, struggling to connect with the world around her.
This Christmas, your donation can bring that same joy to more children with disability.
Donate today: https://bit.ly/449sxtN

01/12/2025

🌤️ What a day we had on Thursday at our annual Sports Day!

This is one of those events that everyone circles on the calendar months in advance. This year did not disappoint! It absolutely lived up to the hype.

Even though the morning kicked off with that unpredictable, dicey Melbourne weather, the clouds cleared and the sun came through just in time. ☀️

From the moment the whistle blew, the fun kicked into gear. ⚽ Soccer matches filled with friendly rivalry, 🏸 badminton games and 🏀 basketball showdowns that brought out some smiles. There was something for everyone.

One of the best parts? Seeing everyone connect, unwind and have fun. Sports Day always brings out the team spirit and this year was no exception.

We wrapped up the day with an incredible feast. A perfect way to end the day, good food, great company and plenty of stories to share. 🍽️🎉

Thank you to Australia Foundation for generously funding the Able Family Sports Day.

01/12/2025

DB-SAFE Commguide Workshop!
A key step forward with the DB-SAFE project was a workshop for CommGuides and Support Workers, facilitated by Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Clare O’Sullivan.

We thought about active vs passive movement, using all the senses available to us when moving around, and when to refer to an orientation and mobility specialist.

We also had the opportunity to experience moving around with a long cane and thinking about all the information available to us through the sense of touch.

Thanks to all of the enthusiastic CommGuides for participating and learning in our DB-SAFE workshop!

The DB-SAFE project is supported through a TAC Road Safety Grant and a Department of Transport and Planning Community Road Safety Grant.

28/11/2025

Deafblind Camp 2026 - Applications now open!

Here's a message from our Deafblind Camp Coordinator Alex:
Hi, everybody and Alex here.

As your National Deafblind Camp Coordinator, I am pleased to let you all know that applications for deafblind campers are now out.
We have 40 places available, and they are filling up fast.
You have the option of coming to all three days at Camp, which is $275 or you can come for one day, which is $40.
If you haven't received the application form and would like to attend deafblind camp at Mount Evelyn, please send us an email at DBCamp@ableaustralia.org.au
We can't wait to see you at the National Deafblind Camp in 2026 from 15th to the 17th of April.

Deafblind West Australians DeafBlind QLD Deafblind Community and the NDIS Deafblind Information Deafblind Australia Deafblind Victoria

27/11/2025

🖌️ Imagination in Action at Melbourne’s Imaginator Exhibition !

Deb had an incredible day exploring the fully immersive Imaginator Exhibition, a sensory wonderland combining AI, audio-visual displays, and innovative sensory technology.

Samuel was highly engaged, focused on the visual displays, and independently moved from one exhibit to another, taking time to enjoy each one.

Stewart also had a fantastic time, happily exploring the sensory lights. At one point he lay down, looked up at the lights on the ceiling, and joyfully said “Australia.”

This excursion was especially valuable for the people we support, who enjoy rich sensory and visual experiences, sparking curiosity, engagement, and joy for all. 💛
We're so grateful to City of Melbourne for a community grant making these inclusive, immersive adventures possible!

26/11/2025

🚀 Throwback Time! Today we’re flashing back to the EPIC moment Phillip lived every rock fan’s dream. Not only did he get to see KISS live in concert, but it doesn't stop there🤘🔥

Phillip headed to the AIRPORT to greet the KISS as they arrived and the energy was pretty electric! The look on his face says it all. “Excited” doesn’t even come close… this was pure, once-in-a-lifetime JOY. 🎸✨

Safe to say Phillip was living one of the best times of his life!

Read more, https://ableaustralia.org.au/phillip-meets-his-favourite-band-kiss

24/11/2025

Imagine walking out of your front door and not being able to see the footpath, or hear what’s happening on the street. Deafblindness is a combination of hearing & vision loss. You can support deafblind people like Cathy through Able's Christmas Appeal.

Your kindness will reach adults in our deafblind community who may feel isolated at Christmas. With your support they can find connection, confidence and joy!

With your generous donation, we train communication guides, so our deafblind community can join in all the Christmas fun and celebrations with family and friends.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LXrO8M

Imagine walking out of your front door and not being able to see the footpath, or hear what’s happening on the street. Deafblindness is a combination of hearing & vision loss.

21/11/2025

If you're in Melbourne today or tomorrow come say hello at the Melbourne Disability Expo at the Melbourne Convention Centre. 💙✨

Our amazing Helen is on deck and ready for a chat! Whether you’re curious about our services, looking for support, or just want to explore your options, she’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.

Swing by, connect with us and let’s talk about how we can support you on your journey. 💬🤝

See you at the Expo today until 3pm and tomorrow Saturday 22 November from 9am to 3pm! 🎉

20/11/2025

Meet Julie!

Julie is one of our resident kitchen explorers and certified batter-licking enthusiast. 👩‍🍳💛

If it involves flour on her hands and something baked in the oven, Julie is there!

Today, she’s whipping up the ultimate comfort classic... banana bread. 🍌✨

The ripe bananas are mashed, the spices are sprinkled, Julie loves mixing everything together. Of course, Julie has first dibs on the first warm slice straight out of the oven. 👀🍞

As the kitchen fills with that irresistible, freshly baked smell, Julie reminds us why baking is fun: it’s messy, it’s cozy, and you get something delicious to eat at the end.

What’s your go-to recipe when you need a little comfort in your day? 💬💛

18/11/2025

🎉 New Tech = Big Smiles
Our team has introduced the Omi Budii interactive projection system and the difference it’s making is incredible!

From the moment it arrived, the people we support have embraced the Budii with confidence, curiosity and pure joy.

Jonathan selected all the games he wanted to play and was able to read all the descriptions, like "hot air balloon"!

Samantha loved being supported to use the system and could still do so from her wheelchair.

Gianni had everyone smiling as he punched the air in victory each time he achieved a goal. His pride was contagious.

Deb giggled each time she used the guitar!

This project is proudly funded by the Australian Government.

18/11/2025

🎉 New Tech = Big Smiles
Our team has introduced the Omi Budii interactive projection system and the difference it’s making is incredible!

From the moment it arrived, the people we support have embraced the Budii with confidence, curiosity and pure joy.

Gianni had everyone smiling as he punched the air in victory each time he achieved a goal. His pride was contagious.

This project is proudly funded by the Australian Government.

17/11/2025

This week we are getting excited about the Melbourne Disability Expo which is being held on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November.

We can't wait to chat and connect with you. Events like this remind us why we do what we do which is to create Better Days, Every Day with and for the people we support.

This is an expo that we love coming to every year. If you're near the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on Friday or Saturday come down visit us. We’d love to meet you!