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Supporting inclusive communities: Afford partners with Sydney Zoo to deliver meaningful experiences for all

Announcement posted by Afford (the Australian Foundation for Disability) 16 Mar 2021

Images available here.

 

  • Afford and Sydney Zoo partnership will see people with disability across Sydney enjoy inclusive experiences under the NDIS.
  • Shared values: Afford and Sydney Zoo promote inclusiveness for people of all abilities.

 

Afford (the Australian Foundation for Disability) has announced a 12-month partnership with the NEW Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney to provide people with disability living across Sydney access to more inclusive experiences for enjoyment and wellbeing.

 

Afford operates nationally and supports close to 2,000 individuals with disability every day to achieve their goals for home, work and life under the NDIS. 

 

Home to over 2,000 animals, Sydney Zoo is Western Sydney’s newest attraction that boasts no hills and no steps, making the entire site accessible to people of all abilities. In addition, the zoo delivers a variety of sensory experiences that encourage engagement and education. 

 

Afford CEO, Steven Herald, says the partnership with Sydney Zoo aligns with the disability provider’s mission to promote inclusive communities and deliver exceptional supports to individuals under the NDIS.

 

“Afford and Sydney Zoo share many synergies. We aim to encourage inclusivity and we want to deliver meaningful experiences that can be enjoyed and truly loved by people of all abilities,” said Mr Herald.

 

“Individuals who attend our Day Programs, Supported Accommodation and Short Term Accommodation services across Sydney will have access to sensory experiences at the zoo with support by our team of staff to ensure that their needs are met.”

 

Afford’s partnership with Sydney Zoo also includes the sponsorship of the Tamar Wallabies. The partnership will also give those in the Afford community access to discounts and event information.

 

With the events of 2020 disrupting many social and community activities for all Australians, Afford’s partnership with Sydney Zoo is focussed on providing more opportunities to support individuals develop life skills and enjoy community engagement.

 

“Getting out and about in the community and participating in new life experiences are important in learning about managing group situations, making friends and exploring your interests,” said Mr Herald.

 

“Our partnership with Sydney Zoo is another way that we are going beyond traditional disability supports to deliver opportunities to help clients and residents get involved in activities that they love and that support their overall health and wellbeing.”

 

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for 70 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day.

 

As one of Australia’s longest-serving not-for-profit disability organisations, Afford goes above and beyond traditional service offerings to adapt to new operating environments to support individuals achieve their goals for work, home and life under the NDIS.

 

For more information visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

 

ENDS

 

Media Contact: Maria Crema: Crema PR m 0402 239 929 e maria@cremapr.com.au 

 

About Afford - www.afford.com.au

The Australian Foundation for Disability is a registered charity providing disability services to thousands of people across Australia. The supports provided by Afford include Shared Living; Overnight Respite; Social and Community Programs; Transition to Work Programs; Transition to Retirement Programs; Carer Support; Disability Employment Services; Supported Employment; Allied Health Support, Support Coordination and Supported Holidays.