Ben, an adult with CP, talks about reconnecting with people after COVID lockdowns with the ExploreAbility social group
Ben is a young resident of Box Hill living with two housemates, Greg and Michael. He loves leading an active lifestyle and having a go at new hobbies and activities. When COVID lockdowns came into effect in Victoria, it was difficult for many people to adapt their social life in those challenging conditions, and especially difficult for many people with disabilities.
“The reason that COVID was hard for me and my friends was because, as people with disabilities, it was really hard to go out and have fun,” Ben said.
“I wanted to create something online to help people get together after we came out of lockdown.”
Ben’s website called ExploreAbility showcases some of the great activities that he and his friends have been enjoying together in recent months. Inspired by a brainstorming sessions, Ben took the initiative to create the site with assistance from his support network.
It is Ben’s ambition to grow the ExploreAbility group so that more people can join in with the fun. There’s something for everyone with a variety of accessible events including tie-dyeing, karaoke, making mocktails, dinner parties, and online events that can be joined remotely. Check out their recent experience with making mocktails in this video:
I wanted to create something online to help people get together after we came out of lockdown.
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The site includes a blog with photos of past events, plus some colourful examples of Ben’s original artworks.
As well as running ExploreAbility, Ben hosts a radio segment called ‘everyday people’ on 3WBC and also enjoys competing in events like Run Melbourne.
Coming up on Saturday 26 August, the ExploreAbility group is hosting a silent disco from 7PM to 9PM at the Blackburn Hotel on Whitehorse Road in Blackburn. Tickets are $15 to cover costs of the event. Attendees are welcome to bring a support worker. Visit the ExploreAbility website to learn more and to book a ticket: https://www.exploreability.au/
For more information about developing independence through social activities and friendships, My CP Guide has information resources for people of all age groups with cerebral palsy. Visit the Independence and Inclusion section of the site to browse a variety of resources.