On Saturday 5th December, as part of the International Day of People with Disability, there is a free Come & Try session with our Access for All Abilities program.

It's for participants aged 6 - 18 years, and is on from 11.15am - 12.30pm at Collingwood College.

With the support of the City of Yarra, our Access for All Abilities (AAA) program has been changing the lives of children with special needs since its inception six years ago. City of Yarra's Peter Mitten worked with the Association to introduce the AAA program into the community in 2009, recognising the need to develop a program for children to take part in a club-based sporting activity.

Suited to children 6-18 years, the benefit is two-fold. For participants, they achieve personal growth and the opportunity to try something new. For families, it provides a similar sense of belonging and an avenue to talk about any issues they may be facing.

The AAA program has seen many success stories in its time, like 20-year-old Matt O’Neil. As one of the first in the program, Matt is now in a coaching role and is relishing the opportunity. “It’s a great program and I got into it because I liked playing sport and wanted to keep active,” said Matt. “I saw others coaching and thought I’d like to do that and I’m really enjoying it so far.”

International Day of People with Disability is Thursday, 3 December and the City of Yarra has a host of activities on offer throughout the week to celebrate. For more information on Council’s activities for International Day of People with Disability, visit http://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/hot-topics/celebrateidpwdwithyarra/