RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

What is it?
A Companion Card is issued to people with a significant and permanent disability who require attendant care support from a companion in order to make use of community venues and participate in activities. Cardholders present their card when booking or purchasing a ticket from a participating business or venue. Participating businesses and venues will recognise the Companion Card and issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge.​ Service providers, organisations or companions cannot apply for a Companion Card. Cards are only issued to, and remain the property of, the person with a disability.

Are you eligible?
An individual is eligible if:

• They are a permanent resident of Australia who lives in Western Australia, and

• They have a significant and permanent disability, and

• It can be demonstrated that due to the impact of the disability, the individual would be unable to participate at most community venues or activities without attendant care support, and

• It is known that the individual’s need for this level of support will be life-long.

How do you apply?
Apply or view more information at: www.wacompanioncard.org.au

For those who use a wheelchair, it is necessary to gain access to a Beach Accessible wheelchair as traditional wheelchairs are incompatible with beach environments. A number of organisations around Australia have facilities which hire out beach accessible wheelchairs, predominantly during the summer months. Before going to the beach contact the Local Council and/or Local Surf Club to find out if accessible wheelchairs are available.

To find out about the accessibility of some of your local beaches, visit: accessiblebeaches.com

How does having a neuromuscular condition affect your ability to participate in sport?
Having a neuromuscular condition does not prevent an individual from participating in sport. While it may not be possible to participate in conventional sports, there are a number of sporting programs designed for people with physical disabilities, including wheelchair-based sporting activities and wheelchair accessible sporting facilities.

What options are available?
Western Electric Sports Association (WESA): WESA provides sporting opportunities for people who require an electric wheelchair for personal independence. The WESA season consists of modified Hockey, Soccer and Rugby League. Players also have the chance to be selected to represent Western Australia at the National Electric Wheelchairs Sports (NEWS) Championships which is held in Sydney.

For more information visit: wesa.org.au

Western Australian Powerchair Football Association (WAPFA): WAPFA is a community based, non-profit association run by players, volunteers and parents. WAPFA hosts the WA league of powerchair football; a modified version of the world game to suit electric wheelchairs which many people use for daily life. The sport caters for all ages, genders and physical disabilities.

For more information visit: www.wadsa.org.au/provider/western-australian-powerchair-football-association

Rebound WA (formerly Wheelchair Sports WA): Rebound WA is a charitable association assisting Western Australians living with physical disabilities to lead fuller, more active and more connected lives by allowing them to have the same participation opportunities as their able-bodied peers. Rebound WA offers information about, and access to, a number of sporting and recreational activities. Rebound WA’s sport program is often referred to as Wheelchair Sports WA.

For more information visit: reboundwa.com

Boccia Australia: Boccia became a Paralympic Sport in 1984 and tests each competitor’s degree of muscle control and accuracy. Competing in wheelchairs, athletes with severe impairments throw, kick or use a ramp device to propel leather balls on a hard flat surface as close as possible to a white ball which serves as the jack (target).

For more information visit: boccia.com.au/home

Western Australia Disabled Sports Association (WADSA): A charitable, non-profit, sport and recreation umbrella organisation for disabled individuals and groups. WADSA provides an activity directorate that provides information on potential activities to get involved in. The organisation also runs camps and events throughout the year. WADSA loans out modified equipment to allow accessible participation in sports outside their events.

For more information visit: www.wadsa.org.au
To access the activity directorate visit: wadsa.org.au/wadsa/activity-directory/

Fishability: A volunteer run organisation offering accessible fishing experiences with shore, jetty or boat experiences. Purpose-built motorised rods, reels and fishing rod holders are available for use, with the support of experienced volunteers.

To find out more, or book an activity, visit: fishability.org.au

BowlAbility: This is an inclusive social program runs most Fridays between 11am and 1pm at Kardinya Bowling Club welcoming all abilities to join in a game of accessible lawn bowls. Participate for a $5 entry fee, with a carer bowling with you for free under the Companion Card scheme. Greens are wheelchair accessible and bowling chutes available for use.

Learn more about BowlAbility at: bowlswa.com.au/inclusive-bowls/

Break the Boundary: This volunteer-operated organisation advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities through adaptive mountain biking. They run annual camps, clinics and riding groups for people with physical and neurological disabilities.

For more information visit: breaktheboundary.com.au

Sailability WA: An organisation offering supported sailing programs for all abilities, including an Act Belong Commit High Support Sailing program. This program is held on Thursday mornings for people who use wheelchairs and require hoisting aboard the rigid motorised floating pontoon.

For more information visit: sailabilitywa.org.au

Freedom Wheels: A company that offers a range of modified bikes and trikes, including some with electric assist options, to allow people with a range of abilities to cycle. Freedom Wheels bikes can be funded through your NDIS plan.

For more information visit: freedomwheels.org.au

POOPS WA is a non for profit organisation that helps people over the age of 65 to fully care for their pets when they are unable to due to disability, old age and medical conditions.

POOPS WA whose mission it is to keep people and pets together, is run by volunteers, they help by providing things such as home visits, pet walking/transportation and pet’s medication.

Even better POOPS WA is a no fee service which means it’s free!

For more information visit: http://www.poopswa.org.au/