The 10 best community activities for adults with disability

Like Family Team -

When it comes to community activities for adults with disability, there's no shortage of fulfilling and engaging things to do. Sometimes, however, we need a little inspiration or a change of pace from the usual day-to-day.

We're here to share ten fantastic ideas for activities, both indoor and outdoor, that might just add that extra bit of flair to your leisure life. These inclusive activities can help you engage with your community, make new friends, and have a great time – perhaps while even learning a new skill.

Whether you're an NDIS participant, a family member, or a support worker, get ready to explore the wonderful world of inclusive and exciting activities.

The power of community engagement

Let's start by talking about the incredible benefits of getting involved in community activities. It's not just about having fun (although that's important too!).

Engaging with your community can boost your social connections, help you grow as an individual, and bring a sense of belonging. Through regular community-based activities, people can actively engage with their local community and gain extensive benefits in the process. Some of these include:

  • Building capacity for independent living
  • Increasing a sense of belonging
  • Meeting like-minded individuals and forming good relationships
  • Improving social skills
  • Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing
  • Bettering the community as a whole by advocating for disability inclusion in everyday local events

Community engagement is a powerful thing for all people, both with and without disabilities. Engaging with likeminded people in ways that feel comfortable and achievable creates a close-proximity support network, something that is invaluable for every member of a community.

There are also lots of places that encourage the use of your Companion Card, which means you can bring a friend or support worker with you to some of these activities and events. Remember, community means togetherness – you don’t have to navigate these alone.

So, let’s get into some activities you can do in your local area!

Join an inclusive sports team

Sports can be an absolute blast, and inclusive sports teams are all about celebrating everyone's abilities. In addition to increased physical fitness, participating in a sports team is one of the best community activities for adults with disability. Sports teams can:

  • Help to foster goal setting
  • Encourage teamwork skills
  • Boost confidence
  • Introduce and develop leadership skills
  • Establish group bonding
  • Help to deal with setbacks in a safe environment

Your community support worker can help you to check out your local sports clubs or fitness centres. Some of these may offer adaptive sports options like wheelchair basketball, inclusive swimming programs, or para-athletics.

Attend group fitness classes

Picture this: a supportive and inclusive environment where you can join group fitness classes tailored just for you. Sounds awesome, right?

There’s so much benefit to joining group fitness classes, and we believe it’s one of the best community activities for adults with disability to participate in. This is because you can engage in great exercise sessions while surrounded by others, meaning you’ll get all the physical health benefits while also socialising with your community. It’s a win-win!

Your community support worker or Support Coordinator can help you get in touch with your local gym or fitness centre to speak about your fitness levels, specific circumstances, and disability needs. While your NDIS funcing won’t cover gym membership fees, you can use your funding to access a personal trainer.

Alternatively, there might be a centre near you that specialises in inclusive fitness programs. These might include:

  • Seated aerobics
  • Yoga for mobility
  • Wheelchair dancing
  • Classes for people with intellectual disabilities
  • Tailored small group personal training

Finding the perfect class or centre for yourself isn't always a simple task, and we understand that. That's why our support workers are here to lend a hand!

Join a local walking group

Who doesn't love a good walk in the great outdoors? Joining a local walking group is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, stay active, and connect with your community. In short, it’s one of the most simple yet effective community activities for adults with disability to enjoy.

You'll have the chance to meet people from all walks of life, get some exercise, and soak up the beautiful surroundings.

You might even consider going on a sensory walk with a friend or your social support worker. Sensory walks involve going to different areas or trails that offer a variety of sights, sounds, smells, and textures to keep your brain active and improve your sensory awareness.

Think about new places you can explore in your local area, but make sure it’s both safe and accessible for you to walk through before venturing out.

Tend to your community vegetable patch or herb garden

Have you ever considered digging your hands into the earth and growing your own veggies or herbs? Community gardens offer the perfect opportunity to do just that!

You may have a lovely little community garden in your neighbourhood that can offer one of the best community activities for adults with disability to engage in.

Become an active contributor to your local vegetable patch or herb garden and immerse yourself in the wonders of gardening. Not only will you enjoy the calming and rewarding experience, but you'll also learn about sustainable practices and taste the delicious results.

You can check the Community Gardens Australia website to find a garden near you.

Join a community theatre

Lights, camera, action! Community theatres are vibrant places that can offer a wide range of community activities for adults with disability.

Lots of local theatres will embrace people of all abilities, providing a stage for your dreams to come alive. If being on stage isn’t your thing, there are lots of different roles that you can benefit from.

Try your hand at set and prop making, be part of the backstage crew, or even help to market the upcoming show. Whether you love acting, stagecraft, or being part of the backstage magic, community theatres can welcome you with open arms.

Browse the local markets

Ready for another sensory adventure? Local markets are filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.

Explore unique handicrafts, indulge in tasty treats, and connect with friendly vendors. It's a great way to support local businesses, experience the local culture, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of your community.

Your social support worker can also accompany you to the markets and can be a great support in navigating all the exciting hustle and bustle.

Attend local trivia nights

Calling all trivia enthusiasts! Put your knowledge to the test at local trivia nights held at community venues or pubs.

Gather your friends or join a team and prepare for a night of brain-teasing fun. It's a great opportunity to challenge yourself, share a few laughs, and connect with fellow trivia lovers.

Trivia nights will also often have themes, allowing you to pick and choose the areas you can really shine. Have a particular knack for general knowledge? Maybe you know everything there is to know about a particular tv show.

Whatever your flavour of trivia, there might just be something to tickle your fancy.

Engage with your local library

Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are thriving hubs of knowledge, creativity, and community engagement.

Libraries often offer wonderful inclusive programs that promote learning, socialisation, and personal growth. Dive into a world of literature, and attend book clubs, storytelling sessions, or creative workshops tailored for adults with disability.

Check out your local state-run or public library to find out what kinds of activities you might like to participate in.

Stimulate your brain with indoor activities

On those cosy indoor days, you can still have a blast with engaging indoor activities. Dive into puzzles, board games, painting, or crafting projects that ignite your creativity.

Explore your interests, challenge your mind, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful.

There might even be some great groups in your local area, like arts and crafts groups or games classes. These are wonderful community activities for adults with disability to enjoy, and can also help to create new skills.

Check out some of our best indoor activities here.

Join community Facebook groups

Embrace the power of online communities with, you guessed it, social media.

Joining community Facebook groups can connect you with like-minded individuals, provide social interactions, and grant access to valuable resources. There’s a wealth of information on some of these groups, and you might even stumble across things you can help others with.

Look for local Facebook groups focused on disability support, inclusive activities, or specific interests you have. Share experiences, seek advice, and stay updated on exciting events happening in your area.

Don’t have a Facebook account? Not to worry – there’s always the good old-fashioned way of browsing local events by checking local centre corkboards or flipping through community magazines.

How can a community support worker facilitate these activities?

Community support workers play a crucial role in facilitating community activities for adults with disability. They can connect you with services and resources in your community, offer emotional support, and provide guidance throughout different activities and environments.

From scheduling to accompanying individuals to events, they ensure comfort and safety, making these experiences even more enjoyable.

If you’d appreciate someone to accompany you to some of these activities, a social support worker may be perfect for you. Social support workers are great cheerleaders in fostering your social skills and independence, providing assistance with transportation, and joining you in a range of fun activities.

If you’re eager to learn more about what a community or social support worker can do for you, find disability support at Like Family. Our friendly team is here to champion you every step of the way, and helping to facilitate some of these fun and rewarding community activities for adults with disability is a fantastic way of doing so.

And if you're looking for more community activity ideas, be sure to visit our Events page where we post accessible events happening in your local area.

Join Like Family today