DWA want to support people to be able to engage in recreation activities of their choice. There are lots of opportunities out there and we aim to support you to try out new activities, find supports for recreation and feel included in clubs and activities. DDWA also advocates for your rights to be included in recreation activities. In 2020 DDWA produced an on-line learning resource for swimming teachers, pool workers and families to have better access to enjoyment and safety for swimming.
We hope the information below will enable you to know your rights to do activities like swimming and find sport and other fun activities that you enjoy.
DDWA Services
Advocacy
DDWA can advocate for your rights to engage in recreation activities of your choice.
Support Coordination
DDWA can provide supports through Support Coordination to assist you to engage with services that will support you to access recreation and leisure activities.
Resources
Now You're 18
Autism Parent's Handbook
Now You’re 18 has a section on Concessions WA which provides information about the Companion Card and other concessions for recreation and leisure activities such as fishing.
Autism Parents’ Handbook – Page 24 has information on a range of recreation options
Page
Other Resources
Department of Communities
Disability Services has web page with links to many recreation options including “Changing places” which are venues with facilities which include hoists and changing facilities for adults.
You’re Welcome WA
Is a list of accessible venues in WA, including parks, beaches, playgrounds, arts and culture venues, and sporting clubs.
WA Disabled Sports Association
WADSA has a directory of just about any sporting activity you can think of, and where you can find groups you can join. You can also look up activities for a particular day of the week, or for your local region.
Online Education
Swimming for All - Enabling swimming for people with disability
Are you aware of how to provide First Aid to your family member with disability?
This session covers the essentials you need to know and provide answers to your specific questions.
There are 4 modules in this on-line course:
- Module 1 – Everyone has a right to swim and enjoy the water
- Module 2 – Supporting people with complex needs in the water
- Module 3 – Strategies and Tools for safety and swimming skill development
- Module 4 – Useful resources and equipment
These four modules have been developed as part of a project funded by the Western Australian Department of Communities (formerly Disability Services Commission).
The project consulted with people with disability, their families, swimming teachers and authorities in Australia such as the Royal Life Saving Society, Austswim and pool/leisure centre workers to determine what people need to help make swimming more easily accessible for people with complex support needs. Special thanks go to the Merger of Minds group who gave extra input about communication strategies.
This learning resource is designed to add to those already available and to enhance the awareness and knowledge of people who are in a position to "enable swimming for all" including children and adults with disability.
