A host of Essendon players have taken to the waves to help What Ability launch in Melbourne.
What Ability is a disability support service that specialises in community access with one-on-one support.
Founder and former NRL player Steve Dresler said the the main goal of the organisation is to just have some fun.
“What Ability is a disability support service that specialises in community access, but what makes it unique is we use athletes from all different sporting codes as support workers,” Dresler said.
“We just focus on the fun stuff. Swimming, surfing, bush walks and go karting. Everything that we got as kids, that these participants usually wouldn’t get, we look after all different ages and abilities from four to 65. We have participants with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, childhood dementia, you name it.
“We are about fun, that’s all we do, we just have fun, we don’t do in-home care, we don’t do transport, we don’t do speech, we just focus on fun.”
Uniquely, What Ability employ the help of current and former professional athletes to operate as support workers at organisation events.
During the Melbourne launch, What Ability took over Urbn Surf, and participants were able to enjoy the waves for the day while being aided by some familiar faces.
“Athletes are the most influential people in the world right now, if Dyson Heppell can hang out with kids with disabilities, it makes it cool and it makes people accepting, it shows if they can do it, then why can’t the rest of the world?” Dresler said.
“We’re trying to break down the barriers for people living with disabilities using athletes.”
Amongst the long-standing sporting ambassadors in attendance, which included Netball, AFLW and NRL athletes, five Bombers joined the cause and jumped into the deep end.
Matt Guelfi, Dyson Heppell, Pat Voss, Kyle Langford and Nick Bryan all traded their guernsey for a rash guard and spent the afternoon in the pool.
After helping with the launch, Bryan said the experience was rewarding and will look to continue his partnership with What Ability.
“I found it super enjoyable, it was very rewarding, and I think I can say that on behalf of everyone. It was all about bringing happiness and putting a smile on the faces of people who live with disability,” Bryan said.
“I’d love to keep working with What Ability and help out wherever I can because it was a really enjoyable experience, and I think all the other boys are in a similar position.”
All five Dons spent the day learning about What Ability, and how to be a support worker to these young and old participants living with disabilities.
“Just seeing the enjoyment that the group had and helping bring happiness to the participants was super rewarding,” Bryan said.
“I really encourage other athletes to get involved because it truly is a rewarding experience for both parties.”
Dresler and his team look forward to continuing the partnership with the Essendon athletes in the future.
“The goal is for What Ability to have the bombers boys as approved support workers for the foundation and taking participants out more regularly,” Dresler said.
“What Ability is just trying to make an inclusive Australia. Our mission is to bring happiness to people with disabilities and if we can use athletes to break down the barriers for these kids, that’s amazing.”
To learn more about What Ability click here.
