By CASEY NEILL
YOORALLA has got the ball rolling on a new program at its Noble Park day support service.
Manager Louise Metz had been looking for a community-based activity with a sporting focus that would enable clients to socialise with people outside the service.
With a $1500 grant from Yooralla’s You Can Innovation Fund and support from Noble Park Community Centre, Bowls Victoria and Springvale Rotary Club, she’s established an all-abilities bowling program.
“Bowls Victoria provided us with advice on suitable equipment and various games and methods that could be used to accommodate the needs of participants with a range of disabilities,” Ms Metz said.
The grant funded two sets of ‘new age bowls’, which are similar to lawn bowls, but lightweight and made from soft material that’s easy for clients to grip.
The Yooralla team also bought PVC piping and worked with clients to cut and sand it to make bowling ramps.
Together they came up with a team name – The Kookaburras – designed and voted on a logo and had team T-shirts printed.
“For clients it has increased their confidence, through being involved in another activity they are good at and enjoy,” Ms Metz said.
“Clients also have a sense of ownership from being involved in the process of setting it up.
“As staff, we have learned that there are lots of community groups out there, ready and willing to assist people with disability.
“It’s simply a matter of reaching out and tapping into that enthusiasm.”
The program’s been so successful that Ms Metz hopes other disability services in the area will adopt it and form a local competition.
The You Can Innovation Fund is a new Yooralla initiative designed to help staff develop innovative and creative solutions that promote human rights, empowerment and engagement, and improve the quality of life of people with disability and their families.
