Programs
Our multi-sports, social groups are for children with disabilities from 2-16 years of age. We offer the chance to try different sport activities and be part of a social group. We make sure the number of children per facilitator is low. This allows us to make sure our groups meet your child’s needs.
Our groups are offered over 10-week school term (with an additional pre-program private consult). Sports include gymnastics, basketball, soccer, rugby, tennis, athletics, volleyball, tee-ball and yoga/pilates. We will teach your child some rules of the sports, and then do different activities that target the skills needed for each sport. Motor skills include running, jumping, throwing and catching. Specific social-emotional activities are also built into the groups, targeting skills such as turn taking, understanding emotions, building friendships, teamwork, and compromise. All activities are designed to encourage social interaction. We change our sports every 2-4 weeks, based on the interests and skills of the children in the group.
Able to Play provides a connection to community, for children and their parents, carers and siblings. Our services use the best available research evidence and clinical experience.
10 week program includes:
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- One on one pre-program consult and goal setting with a therapist
- 10-week program of 1 hour per week
- Weekly home program handouts
- Program evaluation
- Non face to face services
Mid-term enrolments are offered (space permitting), with costs calculated pro-rata.
Available Programs
PIONEERS
(Approx. 2 – 3.5 years)
Pioneers work as parent and child pairs. We focus on teaching parents strategies to support development, while creating positive parent-child attachment. You and your child will work on early motor and social skills, with the therapist guiding you. You will build confidence while having regular social opportunities.
(Approx. 2 – 3.5 years)
DEVELOPERS
(Approx. 3/3.5-5.5 years)
Developers work towards targeted sport-oriented motor skills. You are involved in the group by encouraging your child to work with the team to practice the motor and social skills, and by supporting your child to participate in activities.
(Approx. 3/3.5-5.5 years)
EXPLORERS
(Approx. 6-8 years)
Our Explorers program works on your child’s confidence to interact without their parents. Your child will work in a more structured way on their motor and social skills, listening and following instructions. The amount of parent participation in this group is flexible. Our preference generally is you are welcome to watch your child and provide encouragement from the side-line, but children are encouraged to participate in the group alone or with their support workers. You may also drop your child off if you are both comfortable with this. In certain circumstances you may still support your child in a more hands on way. Please speak to us about this before the group if this is your preference.
(Approx. 6-8 years)
ADVENTURERS
(Approx. 9-12 years)
As pre-teens this group focuses on continuing to build your child’s motor and social skills. You are encouraged to give your child space to develop and explore independently with the other children in the group, by dropping your child off. As always, feel free to speak to the team if this doesn’t work for you and your family.
(Approx. 9-12 years)
DISCOVERERS
(Approx. 13-16 years)
Now that your child is a teenager, participating in groups with other young people is important for their wellbeing. This group provides opportunities for them to continue to practice their social skills, remain active, and to develop a support network away from school. Giving your teen space to do this in a supportive, tailored environment, while taking some time out for yourself is a fantastic opportunity.
(Approx. 13-16 years)
PAIRS & TAILORED GROUPS
Pairs is structured with two therapists for two children. This group is designed to cater for children with higher support needs than can be provided for in the group programs. Being in a group with another child gives your child opportunities to practice a unique set of social and motor skills, which are important for everyday activities and community participation.
Other tailored groups:
Please contact us if you have a group of friends and would like to discuss the option of tailoring a group to your needs.