Accessible Entertainment to Experience this Summer in Melbourne

Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a weekend, Melbourne in the summertime is a buzzing hub of entertainment for all to enjoy. The city is continuing to develop its accessibility so that no one misses out on enjoying its incredible events. Melbourne is notorious for its incredible food and drink, theatre, arts and sports culture as well as its unique graffiti laneways! While the weather can often be unpredictable, boasting ‘four seasons in a day,’ you can always find something to do.

If you’re stuck for ideas, here are our top picks for accessible fun this summer in Melbourne:

1. Australian Open

Watch all your favourite tennis stars compete this summer at the Australian Open Festival.

In the last fortnight of January, every year the Australian Open takes place and thousands of spectators head to Melbourne Park to watch tennis superstars from around the world compete. The event features men’s and women’s singles, men’s, women’s and mixed doubles, juniors and wheelchair championships. If you can’t brave the heat throughout a game, you can cool down in the shade and enjoy live music in the grounds of Birrarung Marr. The Australian Open Festival now features a little something for everyone, including food stalls, live screenings of matches and endless entertainment. For more information on wheelchair access, see here.

2. Melbourne Arts Precinct

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Melbourne’s skyline while listening to the soothing sound of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

The Melbourne Arts Precinct is not a place to be missed this summer! It’s home to the most visited art gallery and busiest performing arts centres in Australia. Whether you’re interested in stopping by the NGV to gaze on a spectacular curatorship of artworks, Hamer Hall for the relaxing sounds of classical, or Southbank Theatre for a quirky, local performance – the Arts Precinct presents up to 3000 performances and exhibitions every year.

3. Sidney Myer Free Concerts

Located in the Kings Domain Gardens, just a short distance from Flinders Street, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is one of Melbourne’s best venues for outdoor music.

Every summer, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra put on a series of free classical concerts. That’s right, free! So why not grab a picnic blanket, friends and family and head on down? Wheelchair seats and spaces are subject to availability so it’s advised to contact the Arts Centre directly on 1300 182 183 to secure your space.

4. Night Markets

Taste all that Melbourne has to offer from its latest restaurants and vendors at one of the city’s night markets.

Melbourne is famed across the world for its abundant food and drink scene. One of the best ways to experience some of the most delectable dishes from across the city is by making your to the Queen Victoria and South Melbourne Night Markets.

These markets are full of vibrant entertainment from live bands to silent discos tours. While sipping on a cold refreshing beverage or tasting some of the city’s finest cuisines, you can sit back, relax and soak up the lively atmosphere.

5. IMAX Melbourne

If you find the temperatures are soaring and you’re in need of some escapism this summer, immerse yourself in the cinematic world of IMAX. Melbourne’s IMAX cinema is located inside Melbourne Museum at Carlton Gardens. Unlike other cinematic experiences, IMAX is bigger, better and takes entertainment to the next level with 3D imagery and heart-pounding surround sound. You can purchase a wheelchair accessible ticket online by selecting it on the IMAX seat map, or call their box office directly on 9663 5454. See the latest movie releases here.

Read more in our blog about Accessible Fun and Staying Cool this Summer.

At Life Mobility, we aim to empower people living with limited mobility or a disability to lead active and independent lives. If you need further information about our scooter and wheelchair accessories contact us today or come and talk to our friendly consultants at our Bayswater or Mornington showrooms.

Understanding the NDIS: How the Scheme Works & its Benefits

There are around 4.3 million Australians who have a disability. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s latest support system for people aged under 65 with a permanent and significant disability, which affects their ability to take part in everyday activities.

The NDIS was established in response to a 2011 Productivity Commission report by the Australian Government which found disability services were underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient.

The commission recommended a new system of flexible individual funding packages that could be used to purchase disability supports.

How does the NDIS help people with a Permanent Disability?

The NDIS is helping people with a permanent and significant disability live life more independently through personalised, flexible support and funding packages.

Through funding for supports and services, the NDIS is helping people live more independently in several ways by:

• Finding ongoing employment
• Achieving their personal goals and aspirations
• Connecting to social and community groups

How does the NDIS Scheme Work?

The NDIS provides people with information and connections to services in their communities such as doctors, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools. If you are eligible for the NDIS and have received your ‘access decision’ letter, the next step is creating your NDIS plan.

Your plan is a written agreement worked out for you. Everyone has a different plan depending on their individual needs and circumstances in life like your personal goals and what you’d like to achieve.

There are four plan management options to choose from:

1. Agency Managed

Agency managed plans are managed directly by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency). The NDIA is then responsible for directly paying providers for any equipment or services you book with them.

2. Self-Managed

If you feel confident in organising your own services, you can choose to manage your own plan yourself. You are responsible for the funding in your plan and will need to manage receipts, invoices and bookings yourself.

3. Plan Managed

You can opt for a third party to manage your plan on your behalf as a ‘plan manager.’ This could be an accountant or a plan management organisation. You will have to pay a fee to your plan manager for their services but it’s also possible to receive funding in your plan for plan management.

4. A combination of the Above

You may choose a combination of the above if for example you want to self-manage your equipment budget, but you want to leave service bookings and payments to someone else.

Who is Eligible for the NDIS?

To be eligible to access the NDIS you must:

Have a permanent disability which significantly impacts your daily activities

• Be under 65 years of age
• Be an Australian citizen, resident or permanent visa holder
• Meet the individual eligibility requirements determined by the NDIA

To check whether you’re eligible, you can review the eligibility checklist on the NDIS online.

What does the NDIS Cover in Funding?

Your funding limit is based on what is reasonable and necessary for your needs, in addition to the support provided by family, friends and other community and government services that you need to live your life and achieve your goals. Core support budgets are flexible depending on which areas you need to focus on more. Core Budgets cover:

• Daily Activities e.g. assistance with household cleaning
• Consumables e.g. everyday items you may need such as continence pads or mobility aids
• Social Community and Civic Participation e.g. a support worker to assist you with socialising
• Transport e.g. modes of getting to work (this varies from person to person)

What Products can I access under the NDIS through Life Mobility?

The NDIS covers mobility equipment and aids to help you get about more easily. This includes:

• Mobility Scooters & Powerchairs
• Wheelchairs & Ramps
• Walking Aids
• Lifters & Transfer Aids
• Bathroom & Toilet Aids
• Pressure Care Aids
• Compression & Protective Garments

Life Mobility works closely with the NDIS to help customers receive the right mobility products to improve their lifestyle. If you have an NDIS plan, fill out our enquiry form online, contact our team or visit us in store to find out more information about our products.

Understanding the NDIS: How the Scheme Works & its Benefits

There are around 4.3 million Australians who have a disability. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s latest support system for people aged under 65 with a permanent and significant disability, which affects their ability to take part in everyday activities.

The NDIS was established in response to a 2011 Productivity Commission report by the Australian Government which found disability services were underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient.

The commission recommended a new system of flexible individual funding packages that could be used to purchase disability supports.

How does the NDIS help people with a Permanent Disability?

The NDIS is helping people with a permanent and significant disability live life more independently through personalised, flexible support and funding packages.

Through funding for supports and services, the NDIS is helping people live more independently in several ways by:

• Finding ongoing employment
• Achieving their personal goals and aspirations
• Connecting to social and community groups

How does the NDIS Scheme Work?

The NDIS provides people with information and connections to services in their communities such as doctors, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools. If you are eligible for the NDIS and have received your ‘access decision’ letter, the next step is creating your NDIS plan.

Your plan is a written agreement worked out for you. Everyone has a different plan depending on their individual needs and circumstances in life like your personal goals and what you’d like to achieve.

There are four plan management options to choose from:

1. Agency Managed

Agency managed plans are managed directly by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency). The NDIA is then responsible for directly paying providers for any equipment or services you book with them.

2. Self-Managed

If you feel confident in organising your own services, you can choose to manage your own plan yourself. You are responsible for the funding in your plan and will need to manage receipts, invoices and bookings yourself.

3. Plan Managed

You can opt for a third party to manage your plan on your behalf as a ‘plan manager.’ This could be an accountant or a plan management organisation. You will have to pay a fee to your plan manager for their services but it’s also possible to receive funding in your plan for plan management.

4. A combination of the Above

You may choose a combination of the above if for example you want to self-manage your equipment budget, but you want to leave service bookings and payments to someone else.

Who is Eligible for the NDIS?

To be eligible to access the NDIS you must:

Have a permanent disability which significantly impacts your daily activities

• Be under 65 years of age
• Be an Australian citizen, resident or permanent visa holder
• Meet the individual eligibility requirements determined by the NDIA

To check whether you’re eligible, you can review the eligibility checklist on the NDIS online.

What does the NDIS Cover in Funding?

Your funding limit is based on what is reasonable and necessary for your needs, in addition to the support provided by family, friends and other community and government services that you need to live your life and achieve your goals. Core support budgets are flexible depending on which areas you need to focus on more. Core Budgets cover:

• Daily Activities e.g. assistance with household cleaning
• Consumables e.g. everyday items you may need such as continence pads or mobility aids
• Social Community and Civic Participation e.g. a support worker to assist you with socialising
• Transport e.g. modes of getting to work (this varies from person to person)

What Products can I access under the NDIS through Life Mobility?

The NDIS covers mobility equipment and aids to help you get about more easily. This includes:

• Mobility Scooters & Powerchairs
• Wheelchairs & Ramps
• Walking Aids
• Lifters & Transfer Aids
• Bathroom & Toilet Aids
• Pressure Care Aids
• Compression & Protective Garments

Life Mobility works closely with the NDIS to help customers receive the right mobility products to improve their lifestyle. If you have an NDIS plan, fill out our enquiry form online, contact our team or visit us in store to find out more information about our products.

Top 7 Hobbies & Activities for People with Limited Mobility

Thousands of Australians are living with limited mobility. Whether it’s resulting from an injury or due to a medical condition, having limited mobility can impact a person’s social and recreational activities, and sometimes leave them feeling isolated and alone.

If you or a loved one have limited mobility, you’re not alone and there are plenty of fun and healthy activities available to suit your interests and lifestyle, it’s just a case of finding something that’s right for you! Engaging in a hobby can help you remain mentally sharp and physically active and also gives you a fuller social calendar with the opportunity to meet new people!

If you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, here’s some ideas to inspire you:

1. Hydrotherapy & Swimming

Public hydro-pools offer group classes for all abilities with both assisted and independent access. Hydrotherapy and aquatic exercise is a great low impact activity which allow free and independent movement without straining your body. The temperature of hydro-pools is designed to create a warm, safe and nourishing environment to help your body and mind relax.

2. Yoga & Pilates

Yoga and Pilates are gentle and slow-paced alternatives if you don’t enjoy the water. Plenty of studios across Australia offer specialised classes for seniors and people with limited mobility. There are many benefits of practicing yoga or Pilates regularly including: improving your strength, balance, fitness and stability while having fun and making new friends!

3. Personal Training

Connecting with a personal trainer is a great way to improve your fitness and focus on specific areas of development. You can choose to have a session in the comfort of your own home or at your local gym.

Personal trainers can help you achieve your fitness goals, by tailoring every exercise to meet your unique abilities and requirements. They can provide expert advice about your diet, to help you move and feel better and may also have group class options if you’re keen to meet others.

4. Surfing

Surfs up! The Disabled Surfers Association Australia (DSAA) helps people with limited mobility to enjoy the great outdoors.

 

You don’t have to say no to the more adventurous activities just because you have limited mobility – so, surf’s up!

New developments in technology are now making beaches and the surf more accessible for everyone. The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSAA) supports members with limited mobility, from joint injuries to paraplegia, and get them get out into the sunshine, sand and water!

5. Walking Groups

Joining a local walking group is a good way to get fit outdoors, make new friends, engage in good conversation and maybe have a few laughs too! If there isn’t already a group near you, start your own through Meet Up – a new social media platform that aims to bring people and communities together. You can use the app or website to set up events and meet up with like-minded people in your area!

6. Book Clubs

Reading is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in another world and narrative and can be educational too! Joining a book club connects you with other people and gives you the opportunity to discuss your favourite and latest books. Hot tip: if you can’t make it to a book club meeting in person, because of mobility issues or otherwise, you can organise a Skype video session and share your thoughts and insights from the comfort of your home!

7. Art Classes

Whether you’ve already got a creative side or have never held a paint brush before, art classes can be a fun and therapeutic activity that give you the opportunity to express yourself and learn a new skill. While painting is one of the more common and popular art classes available, many community and art centres offer ceramics and textiles classes too. Try a little bit of everything and see what you like best!

At Life Mobility, we aim to empower people living with a disability or limited mobility to lead active and independent lives. You can view our range of products online here.

If you need further information or assistance about our products and services, feel free to contact us today or come and see our friendly consultants at our Bayswater or Mornington showrooms in Victoria.