Community participation can involve seeing friends, joining a club, volunteering or enjoying a hobby outside home. Start with what you would like to do, then work out whether you need disability-related help to take part.

An activity does not have to be organised by a disability provider. You may prefer a local group that shares your interests, a regular outing with one friend or a supported introduction to somewhere new.

If you like art, music or stories

Consider a gallery visit, library group, choir rehearsal or craft class. You could start by attending as a visitor before deciding whether to join.

Ask the organiser what happens during a session. Check whether instructions can be given in a format you use, whether there is somewhere to take a break and whether a support person can attend. An art class may involve both handling materials and following spoken instructions; identify which parts you want help with.

If you enjoy being outdoors

A garden visit, birdwatching outing or local walking group might suit you. Compare the actual route with your needs rather than relying on the word “accessible”.

Find out about surfaces, slopes, shade, seating and toilets. Decide how far you want to go and where you could turn back. A short visit with a reliable way home can be easier to plan than a full-day excursion.

For sport, ask whether the club offers an introductory session or changes to the activity that would help you participate. Your equipment, pace and communication preferences belong in that conversation.

If you want to meet people through a shared task

Community gardens, volunteering and hobby groups offer something to do together. Ask about the tasks, time commitment and supervision before joining.

You might want help contacting the organiser, understanding the timetable or attending the first session. Some people then need less help; others continue to need support each time. Neither arrangement should be assumed before you have tried the activity.

If you prefer familiar people and places

Visiting a friend, going to the cinema or having coffee can be just as relevant as joining a formal programme. You choose who you spend time with and whether you want a worker nearby or assisting with a specific task.

Discuss privacy before an outing. For example, a worker might help you travel and then support you at an agreed distance during a conversation. Plan this around your actual needs and safety, rather than a rule that every outing must happen in a group.

Separate the activity cost from support

The NDIS social and recreation guideline distinguishes ordinary activity expenses from extra assistance needed because of disability. You generally pay entry, membership and standard equipment costs yourself. Eligible disability-related assistance may be funded where it meets the criteria and fits your plan.

Check the support arrangements before making a regular commitment. Ask how worker time, shared support and travel would be charged. If the organiser can make an adjustment that meets your needs, discuss that too.

Try one activity and review it

Choose a date and make a short plan covering arrival, access, the help you want and getting home. Let the worker know how you will communicate that you want to pause or leave.

Afterwards, decide whether you enjoyed the activity itself. If you did, check what would make the next visit work better. If you did not, you can choose something else without turning it into a long-term booking.

Make a short plan before booking

Keep the details somewhere you and anyone supporting you can use:

  • The activity, date, meeting point and person to contact.
  • The entrance, toilet facilities and any quiet space you need.
  • What help you want from a worker and when you want privacy.
  • Activity costs and the agreed support and travel charges.
  • How you will get home and what to do if the plan changes.

For specific local options, see accessible places to visit in Redlands. Our Brisbane and Logan transport guide covers route planning and questions about travel charges.

You can enquire about our community participation support with an activity you would like to try.