There is so much exciting news at the moment – art programs for people with disabilities, new accessible walking paths, and more – that it’s easy to miss something amazing. Here’s a round-up of everything that’s caught my attention lately. If you have any hot tips, please share them in the comments or over on our Facebook page!
Walking and Rolling Together: Accessible walking paths for people with disability
Victoria Walks, in collaboration with Scope, has undertaken a wonderful initiative to identify and map accessible walks around Victoria, using a newly developed audit tool.
The idea is to increase awareness of accessible trails around the state, and encourage the development of more inclusive paths for everyone to use.
The accessible walks are listed on a free, easy-to-use website. Each listing includes information like the distance of the walk, and how long it’s expected to take, plus the difficulty level and what you can expect to see along the way. Users can also submit their rating of their experience on the walk. It looks like the Lillydale Lake Accessible Walk (2.7km, “easy”) and the Benalla Botanical Gardens Accessible Walk (2.6km, “very easy”) are current favourites, with five-star ratings.
There are 27 walks already mapped, and more are being added all the time. If you want to participate in the project, you can contact Victoria Walks and express your interest in assessing a path – they’ll guide you through using the audit tools and how it all works.
And ACTION! ArtScreen is now open for applications in 2023
The ArtScreen video art program has been running for three years now. They support video artists with a disability to develop video artwork, and then screen their creation at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney) as part of IDPWD celebrations.
Two artists will be selected to create new works, and they will receive $13,000 funding. They also have the opportunity to work with partner organisations for in-kind production support, and receive mentorship from experienced video artists.
This is a unique opportunity for artists with a disability to show their work in a high-profile exhibition. Previous ArtScreen creators have gone on to develop their work, even showing at the Cannes Short Film Festival.
For more information, and to apply, check out the AccessibleArts ArtScreen 2023 website.
Get ready for summer! (sponsored)
If you’re planning ahead for warmer weather, Accessible Accommodation has some great summer inspiration for you. Whether it’s an accessible pool or a beach wheelchair onsite, there’s a great range of places to stay that are accessible. Here are some of the properties they recommend:
- This farm stay in NSW features an indoor heated pool with pool lifter for your private enjoyment
- At this Barwon Heads beach house, you get your very own beach wheelchair to transfer from your accommodation to the beach, just minutes away
- In this Perth private house, you have your own accessible pool and access to the Neuromoves Gym adjoining the property
- On the Gold Coast, a new hotel with a pool hoist overlooking Broadbeach awaits
- In Port Adelaide, this two-bedroom apartment is right by Semaphore beach, with its beach matting and kids playground (with a liberty swing!)
If you need help finding the right accessible accommodation for your summer getaway, call the crew on 1300 180 889 or send them an email. Enjoy your summer break!
An Adventure 65 million Years in the Making: Jurassic World Sydney
Jurassic World: The Exhibition will be roaring into Sydney in September 2023. This is a family-friendly experience based on one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in cinema history – an adventure 65 million years in the making!
Dinosaur enthusiasts and film buffs will get to see life-size brachiosaurus, velociraptors, and – most fearsome of all – the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The Jurassic World exhibition has been a huge success overseas, with over five million tickets sold. Sydneysiders are going to be flocking for tickets when they go on sale 10am Thursday 27 July, so make sure you get in quick.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition will run for a limited time from 22 September at the SuperLuna Pavilion at Sydney Olympic Park. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time you book, but there is free entry for children under three years of age, and they do offer complimentary carer tickets. There are hundreds of accessible car parking spaces available at Sydney Olympic Park, and if you pre-book, it’ll make things much easier arriving and departing. Note that the show does include loud noises and strobe lighting effects, which may not be suitable for everyone. Find out more at the Jurassic World: The Exhibition website.
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