A new Australian charity, founded by former Parramatta Eels player, Steve Dresler is hoping to unlock over one million experiences across Australia to people with a disability and their families by 2026.
The What Ability Foundation is partnering with experience providers nationally across sport, live entertainment, adventure, hospitality and dining to provide ticketed experiences for individuals and their families.
The charity will fundraise in each state to give people with a disability, many of whom experience financial hardship, the opportunity to access recreational activities in their area.
According to Dresler, it is all about putting smiles on the faces of people living with a disability, while bringing joy to families who are unable to fully participate in the community.
“It can be as simple as a game of bowling and movie tickets or as epic as a day pass to a theme park. The foundation is here to break down barriers and unlock experiences to give families access to the communities they live in.”
Dresler, who worked as a support worker at a Sydney autism school launched the foundation in December 2021 on International Day of People with Disability. The event at CommBank Stadium brought families and carers from disability support services across Sydney together with a team of professional and semi-professional athletes.
Individuals can register to apply for fully funded ticketed experiences in their state or territory for themselves, someone they know or the person in their care at: www.whatabilityfoundation.org.au
Follow the Foundation on Facebook @WhatAbilityFoundation Instagram @WhatAbilityFoundation or LinkedIn @WhatAbilityFoundation.