The Australian Disability Young Adults Social Support Group breaks barriers and builds bonds. 

Australian Disability Young Adults Social Support Group (ADYASSG) is a non-profit organisation that provides fortnightly activities for people with primarily physical disabilities in the North Shore and Northern Beaches of Sydney. A chance for Aussies with physical disabilities to socialise and catch up in a similar community.

The group was formed to address the social isolation that people with disabilities face due to a lack of suitable social support in the local community. The inspiration behind the group was simple…to fill a gap in the local community.

There were groups for people with intellectual disabilities, but none for young adults with physical disabilities.

Jonathan Shar, the Coordinator of the Australian Disability Young Adults Social Support Group, said that the aim of the group is "to create a more equitable Australian society for people with disabilities through the production of online media and platforms, as well as face-to-face interactions to increase the visibility of issues facing the disability community."

The group meets every fortnight in Gordon, between the Northern Beaches and the North Shore of Sydney. During the meetings, participants engage in a variety of activities such as discussions, quizzes, chair exercises, games, sing-a-longs, crafts, mindfulness, laughter yoga, and more. The upbeat and exciting programs change every time based on participant needs.

Jonathan, responsible for marketing and organising activities, said the group is still building. Still, so far, group members have been overly satisfied with the Support Group, which is creating more opportunities for unique social interaction.

The diverse range of activities offered during meetings reflects a thoughtful and participant-centric program. The adaptability of the program to meet participant needs each time showcases a commitment to individual preferences and a dynamic response to the group's evolving requirements.

The Australian Disability Support Group is making great strides toward creating some real positive change by addressing the challenges facing Australians with disabilities. Every Aussie face challenges, but those groups who possess various disabilities can feel these challenges tenfold. Challenges such as the cost of living, uncertainty over NDIS reviews, discrimination, and the need for suitable social support are critical issues that the group is actively addressing through support programs and raising awareness.

Jonathan pointed out that the community often assumes that people with physical disabilities are intellectually disabled and treat them in a patronising, childish, and demeaning way, which is also not appropriate for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Australian Disability Support Group is working towards challenging these societal assumptions and promoting inclusivity.

In addition to the support group, Australian Disability also runs a weekly podcast called ‘CripChat’ Australia. CripChat Australia is produced and delivered by Australian Disability, and it aims to educate, entertain, and inform the community on how to create a more accessible and inclusive society for people with disabilities, their friends, and family. The podcast is live-streamed every Friday via Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, and an edited version is released later.

The Australian Disability Young Adults Social Support Group now has an expression of interest link for anyone in the community keen to jump on board: .

For more information, visit the website www.ausdis.au/social-support-group.