The All Abilities program is our innovative flagship program that commenced in 2017. It involves participants from partner mainstream schools from grade 6 and above visiting our partner support schools during the course of a full school year. Young Leaders go through an application process and are selected based on their responses to questions as to why they would like to be involved, what they can bring to the program and what they would like to get out of the it. YLOT participants undertake core activities throughout the year, including building relationships, assisting others and setting goals, evaluating and reflecting on leadership and sharing success.
Resources, information, learning activities and tools are provided to assist leadership development and learning about others. Participants spend time evaluating their goals and keeping a reflective journal as the year progresses.
Throughout the year, participants take part in events and presentations within their school and broader community in order to help others understand values of disability, effective decision-making, supporting others and how all members of the community benefit society.
This program is a win-win! It helps provide direct mentoring and friendship to Support School students with typically developing peers in a supportive environment. They make friends and learn skills with their mainstream peers.
Throughout the year the benefits from the program flow through to the rest of the wider community. Through the YLOT participant’s experiences their understanding grows, and they are helping to create change and perception of disability throughout the wider community.
This ‘reverse inclusion’ style program has benefits for all - It is an opportunity for young people of all abilities to learn together!
YLOT participants are acknowledged and recognised for their participation in this program and all young people over 16 are required to hold a Working With Vulnerable People registration – register here.
Our Holiday Buddies program provides opportunities for school-aged children of all abilities to participate in school holiday programs in a fun, inclusive environment. YLOT Buddies provide support, mentoring and friendship to children living with a disability to assist them to access holiday activities and have a fun day with peers their own age.
YLOT Buddies apply for this program on a term-by-term basis. They participate in an online training module learning about values of disability, working/playing alongside children with disability, communication tools and are given training and tips to encourage inclusion.
It is an opportunity for young people of all abilities to have fun and grow together!
YLOT participants are acknowledged and recognised for their participation in this program and all young people over 16 are required to hold a Working With Vulnerable People registration – register here.
A Social Group for adolescents living with a disability to stay connected with peers and form friendships with individuals with similar interests and hobbies.
