fbpx
  • You are here:  
  • Home /
  • Blogs /
  • School Holiday Activities for Kids with Disability, Spring 2020

School Holiday Activities for Kids with Disability, Spring 2020

Hits: 2053
A boy sits with a chess board and ipad in front of him. A bowl of chips is to the side. On the ipad is a friend he is playing against, who also has a chessboard that we can see in the picture.

Spring has sprung! That means School Holidays! Here is our virtual helping hand, with activities for kids living with disability across Australia. We have all the ideas, from art videos with closed captioning and Auslan interpreting to  STEM learning labs and creative therapy. 

Information on each activity below is in the link. Please contact the provider to book sessions directly, or follow the link for online activities. If you would like help to find activities in your area or online, our Information Officers are available to help you. Call us on 1800 029 904 or connect with us through LiveChat or email. We are open from 8 am – 8 pm Monday to Friday. 

This information was correct at time of printing. Please check with updates to regulations around COVID-19. Also, confirm directly with the provider that programs will still operate and that they can meet your accessibility needs under any COVID-19 rules.

Exotic Safari

For something with a difference, a Free Virtual African Safari is on October 7th. 

Join a guide and photographer Munya on a virtual Safari. He will introduce you to Hwange National Park and Zimbabwe.
You will experience the Safari that he leads every day.
He will describe the pickup location, safety guidelines, the environment, and the animals we are likely to see. There will also be a few breaks and meals.

Let Munya tell his story of an African Safari.

 

Australia-Wide Programs

Australian Camps Association

Australian Sports Camps – Holiday sports coaching for 6 to 16-year-olds.

Bricks 4 Kidz – Hold virtual workshops of educational play with Lego ®.

Cocky Guides – Adventures for people of all ages who are blind, visually impaired and sighted - available in some states.

Class Bento have deliverable kits with online classes. From crafts to watercolour painting for beginners, learning calligraphy, making kokedama balls, terrarium or ikebana classes. There are cooking classes, baking classes and even cocktail-making sessions. See Class Bento for the full online workshop list. Learn more about Class Bento and the NDIS.

Eventbrite - Search for online events that interest you and meet your accessibility needs. There are many free events, and you can use the search filter to choose only "Free" events. There are many to choose from - about Nature Art, Online Wildlife encounters, Library Online, Science, Illustration, Cooking, Dance, Music trivia, Photography, and Languages.

Skills for Kids – "Conversation Club" is about social skills for making and keeping friends.

State by State Information

Some are online activities or programs, you might find something of interest in another state too.
ACT
NSW
QLD
SA
VIC
WA

Read more: What to do in isolation in the school holidays for activities you can do at home, focussed on offline distractions and boredom busters.

Four teenage girls, one with disability on a lounge. The girls have snack food and a labradoodle sits at one end. They are laughing, smiling and relaxed.

 

ACT

Communities @ work School Holiday Programs across Canberra 

Marymead Autism Centre has a range of community activities like Board games, Supported Playgroup, Aspie Girls Social Group, Programming workshops

Mov'in car - Canberra Drive-In Cinema, this time at Questacon Science Garden parking. Movies on the program include: Jumanji The Next Level, Spies in Disguise, Coco, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead men tell no tales, Frozen 2, Aladdin, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Zootopia, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, The Greatest Showman, The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Knives Out, the Notebook, Titanic, Casablanca, Dirty Dancing and The Castle. One screening of each only. Between Thursday 24th September and Sunday 25th October.

Questacon – 90-minute guided experiences. – Questacon Mission to Mars and Questacon Mission to Mars Junior (3-5 years). Each tour has a maximum of 15 people (including adults, children and babies) to comply with physical distancing and public health guidelines.

YMCA Spring Vacation Programs are available.

NSW

In case you missed it - Noteworthy changes to Creative Kids Vouchers  for NSW residents

In response to COVID-19, you can redeem Creative Kids vouchers for:

  • Cultural and creative activities that support the 2020 school curriculum,
  • Activities and programs delivered online, and
  • Creative supplies, equipment and materials through approved Creative Kids providers.

Find Creative Kids providers offering online programs.

NEW The City of Sydney Art and Maker Classes Online have Auslan interpreting and closed captions. The videos are step by step and presented by experienced artists and makers.  Projects for complete beginners aged 15 years and over. Classes are Origami Lampshades, Self-Portrait drawing, building a Robotic Hand and Still-life drawing. Downloadable PDF Instructions, materials list and templates are available.

Autism Community Network – Online Support and Clubs

Active OT – Holiday Intensive program  - An increased intensity of specific therapy.

Art Gallery of NSW – Children's Trails (Timed entry for this attraction) for children aged 6-12 

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Have activities through selected NDIS fund categories, like Improved Health and Wellbeing, Community Participation, Increased Social and Community Participation.

Early Ed Online Storytime

Clarence Valley Youth - have a range of programs, see their Facebook page for details.

Coastlink – Weekend Club, after School hanging out and Holiday programs

Growing Early Minds Clever Kids Camp, Lego Club (eligible under NDIS funding)

Learning Links – children aged 4-12, Play and Social Learning, Anxiety Management, Emotion Regulation programs are running in the Sept-Oct School Holidays

LuzAllabilities - for children with any difficulties with cognitive, motor coordination, communication and social skills. Explorers Holiday Program.

Macarthur Disability Services – Campbelltown. For children and young people with a mild to moderate disability aged (7 – 17 years.)

Northern Beaches Council – Have long-day care, fun environmental programs, art exhibitions, swimming lessons and library programs.

Playgroup NSW – Explore Play Baby and Parent Resources this site is a wealth of fun activities to do at home for babies and toddlers.

Quirky Kids – Social Skills and Communication - Best of Friends - covering topics like Making Friends, Social Expectations, Importance of Compromise, Empathy in Friendship, Peacemaking and conflict resolution, Basecamp – Helps anxious children/youth to manage symptoms of worry and stress.

State Library Kids at the Library Series

St George and Sutherland Community College – School-age tutoring

Studio Alessia Art as Therapy.

Sunnyfield – Programs and Hubs.

Taronga Zoo has reopened along with Taronga Western Plains.

Thinklum Robotics School - Online School Holidays Coding Camps

What's On Sydney – A trove of online options to choose from, check with individual events about accessibility options and prices.

 

QLD

Autism Queensland Cool Conversations for children aged 8 and over to help with conversation and social skills. Fun, Friends and feelings for children aged 5 – 7 years and their parents. Lego® Club holiday program.

Camp Cooby For ages 3 to 16. Or Leadership camps for ages 12 to 16.

Chessmates Holiday Programs and Tournaments, Online Tournaments, An NDIS Registered Provider.

Colour My Pot Transform a pottery piece into a work of art.

Inclusion Plus family Support Fun activities on the sunshine coast

Speak Up Online Learning – Creativity Kits and Online Learning- Communication and Drama

SA

Adelaide North Special School – Vacation Care Program

Autism SA Have Art Steps, Kids Aqua Skills and Lego ® Club programs

 

A blonde haired boy wears a superhero cape and outfit in blue and red. He is sitting in a Yoga pose, his feet are crossed, hands on his knees with thumbs to fingers and his eyes are closed.

VIC

Arts Centre Melbourne – Digital Content Hub

Building Blocks Therapy – Zoom Sessions on Mindfulness, Dance group, Happy Hands and Fit fingers, Chop like its Hot, and On Point writing

Gateways Support Services – Some programs operating through Zoom

Melbourne Museum – Museums from Home. Competitions,  Quizzes, Lectures, Puzzles, Online Collections and more.

City of Melbourne Lots of Online activities for Families and Kids like Storytime, Audio play, STEM learning labs, and Home Publishing too.

Melbourne Zoo – Livestream Animal House.

Parks Victoria Junior Ranger Make and Do – Downloadable activities

YMCA Children's Programs – Various Locations. A childcare permit is required to access metropolitan services.

Sealife Melbourne Aquarium Online event – Livestreams

YMCA Children's Programs Children 5 – 12 years old - Monday 21 September – Friday 2 October.

WA

Helping Minds – Journalling, Positivity, Kindness, Coping with behaviours or emotions range of programs

 

Want more ideas on what to do in the school holidays 

What service providers are doing differently. (Talks about how Service Providers are changing the way they deliver supports)
What to do in isolation in the school holidays (Heaps of OFFLINE activities and boredom busters, this has been one of our popular blogs)
Tips to get you through a staycation or isolation (Distractions and a VIRTUAL roundup of activities to pass some time)

IDEAS does information so you can do life.

Available Resources

A man with assistive technology is using a laptop. Disability Support Pension
Three people walking along a sandy track by the sea. A young girl in pink jacket, blue jeans and pink gumboots is carried on the shoulder of a man with blue jacket and stripes scarf. A lady with white hair scarf and brown jacket walks beside them, they are smiling. Summer Fun
The photograph shows the edge of a swimming pool. There are two people, one a young girl with disability, the other a woman. The woman is holding a pool noodle in one hand, and guiding the girl into the pool with the other. They are next to a diving board with a cone placed on top. Summer Swimwear
A carer in blue shirt and light pants is pushing a person wearing blue pants and pink shirt in a wheelchair onto a ramp for a silver van. The ground is paved and the background is a garden with greenery. Vehicle Safety
Senior woman working in her garden Gardening for seniors and people with disabilities
Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake in Tasmania Tasmania: borders to remain closed until at least 1 Dec 2020, and travel voucher scheme announced
A photo of a young girl with down syndrome smiling at the camera. She is standing on an athletics track. Inclusive & Modified Sports for Children with Disability
An image of three women siting and communicating, one is using sign language and the others are looking on., New sign language interpreting service for aged care assessment and delivery services.
Two girls at a table playing with wooden blocks Childcare Subsidy Changes
Children, one with disability, in a circle looking down at the camera. Inclusive School Holiday Activities Winter 2020
An image of a young girl drawing with chalk on concrete What to do in isolation in the School Holidays
Senior man getting fuel Aged pensioners eligible for $250 travel card from Service NSW
Young woman in a wheelchair getting in a car Flexibility in transport funding for NDIS participants
An image of a light rail tram Canberra’s Light Rail
Image of a young woman with a disability on a yoga mat doing stretches Pilates for Play
An Image of a young man with disability, holding a tennis racquet and ball. Try Tennis
A young boy putting a Christmas hat on his grandfather's head. Dawn's Story - Christmas and the holiday period
An image of a young boy on a surfboard in the ocean with a volunteer. Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSA)
An image of the Canadian Rocky Mountains viewed from inside a train with a glass roof. Canadian Transport
Image of a Houseboat on the water viewed from side on. Holiday on a Houseboat
Image of three senior ladies. One is holding a phone and they are all smiling for a selfie photo Travellers with Dementia
Seniors Card and Seniors Savers Card Programs in NSW Seniors Card and Seniors Savers Card Programs in NSW
A photograph of a beach pathway with accessible matting. In the background is a blue sky with clouds. New wheelchair beaches in Australia
Disability Toilet Sign How to find an accessible toilet?
An image of a portion of a world globe showing a map of Australia in Pink Access at 5 Iconic Australian Destinations
Helicopter with a bucket attached flyer over hills that are on fire Fire Safety
Sum shining through trees with a disabled parking sign Things you need to know about Disability Parking Permits in NSW
Image of small boy wearing helmet on rope course Holiday Camps for Kids
An image of a snow capped volcano behind a lake with cherry blossom blooms in the foreground. Travel in Japan with a Disability
Young boy in wheelchair holding an ice-cream. Beside him is a woman holding an ice-cream. In the background are beach huts. Tips for travelling with children with disabilities.
Graphic of a person in a wheelchair in front of a ramp a steps Accurate information is a key to accessible travel.
Image of a young boy with a hoodie looking thoughtful Sensory Friendly Sundays at Old Dubbo Gaol
Image of a woman looking up to the camera and smiling. She is holding a first aid kit, with an open suitcase beside her. Not just tourists
An image of a jet flying into the sunset over clouds Travelling with a Spinal Cord Injury
An image of a restroom sign with male, female and person with disability icons Incontinence tips for travel
Sargood on Collaroy Standard Room Image Holiday Accommodation with a Ceiling Hoist
An image overlooking a blue lake with mountains in the background and Chateau Lake Louise Oh Canada
Image of a man sitting on a couch Hidden Disabilities Lanyards at Brisbane Airport
An image of the Brandenburg Gate, a sandstone monument dating from the 18th Century. Accessible Germany
wheelchair accessible walking track sign with mountain peak behind New edition of Lonely Planet: Accessible Travel Resources
Mountaintop with terraced ancient city ruins Experience Machu Picchu
Fireworks erupting over Sydney Harbour Bridge and sails of the Sydney Opera House Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks
Image of maps, notebook and passport on a desktop with laptop, phone and coffee mug. Helping you plan your holiday
A woman in a wheelchair and her companion looking and pointing at something Inclusive Tourism is Big Business
picture of world globe Top Online Travel Resources
friends moving down a cobbled street. One person is a wheelchair user. All are smiling and talking. Accessible tourism and implementing better practice for people with disability
Two yellow Safer Driver Course
Access all areas film festival Access All Areas Film Festival
Image of the sails of the Sydney Opera House illuminated in electric blues and pinks. Vivid Sydney lights up the night
Image of cricket player with bat raised waiting for the ball Demand for cricket creates all abilities league
Accessible Gardening Tips Accessible Gardening Tips
Black and white image of a book Seaworld Accessibility Attractions Sensory Guide
Disability Access & Inclusion Plan 2016 - 2020 Disability Access & Inclusion Plan 2016 - 2020
Book cover, includes title of the book Everything I've Never Said showing a girl's face floating in water Book Review: Everything I've Never Said
Pictures of cafes and streets Eating Out With Wheels
Support worker application form Support worker parking permit guide and application
Man in a wheelchair on a path with a woman riding a pushbike beside him Inclusive Tourism IDEAS
Picture overlooking mountains Grampians National Park All-Abilities Walking Track and TrailRider Guide
Black and white image of a book Welcoming autistic people - A guide for tourism venues
Black and white image of a book Accessible Travel Phrasebook
Manual on Accessible Tourism for All. Principles, Tools and Best Practices Module 1 Manual on Accessible Tourism for All. Principles, Tools and Best Practices Module 1
Manual on Accessible Tourism for All. Principles, Tools and Best Practices Module 5 Manual on Accessible Tourism for All. Principles, Tools and Best Practices Module 5
Black and white image of a book Easy does it. Simple, Low cost changes to benefit you and your visitors
Black and white image of a book Access all areas A guide to destination access audits
Black and White image of a book Speak Up! A guide to marketing your accessibility Visit England
Black and white image of a book UNWTO World Tourism Day 2016 "Tourism for all - Promoting universal accessibility"
Black and white image of a book Inclusive Tourism - Making your Business more accessible and inclusive
Black and white image of a book Manual on Accessible Tourism for All – Public-Private Partnerships and Good Practices
Black and white image of a book Tips and Advice for your journey
Black and white image of a book Seaworld, Disability Services and Accessibility Guide
Black and White image of a book UNWTO Recommendations on Accessible Information in Tourism
Black and white image of a book Lonely Planet Accessible Travel Online Resource
Black and White Image of a book Accessing Auburn City
Your Rights to Fly: What You Need to Know Your Rights to Fly: What You Need to Know
Your Passport to a Smooth Journey Your Passport to a Smooth Journey
City of Sydney Mobility Map City of Sydney Mobility Map
Public Toilet Map - Australia Public Toilet Map - Australia
Tweed Shire Council Mobility Maps Tweed Shire Council Mobility Maps
Kiama Municipl Council Mobility Map Kiama Municipl Council Mobility Map
Coffs Harbour City Mobility Map Coffs Harbour City Mobility Map
Depression in Older People Depression in Older People
Aboriginal Funeral Transport NSW Aboriginal Funeral Transport NSW
Finding accessible Airbnb properties Finding accessible Airbnb properties
ACCAN Tip Sheet - Travelling overseas with a mobile phone ACCAN Tip Sheet - Travelling overseas with a mobile phone
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Mobility Map Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Mobility Map
Surfers Paradise Mobility Map Surfers Paradise Mobility Map
Southport CBD and Broadwater Parklands Mobility Map Southport CBD and Broadwater Parklands Mobility Map
Broadbeach Mobility Map PDF version Broadbeach Mobility Map PDF version
Changing Places and Adult Changing Facilities Changing Places and Adult Changing Facilities
Mobility Map - Melbourne CBD Mobility Map - Melbourne CBD
Top 10 tips on inclusive Tourism - Visit England Top 10 tips on inclusive Tourism - Visit England
Scandic's Accessibility Standard Scandic's Accessibility Standard
Wellness Farm Stay Wellness Farm Stay
Toilets for All Toilets for All
Top 5 Accessible Holiday Planning Tips Top 5 Accessible Holiday Planning Tips
Overcoming Barriers to Public Transport Overcoming Barriers to Public Transport
A photograph of a heart drawn in the sand of a beach. Around the edges of hte heart, decoratively placed, are a variety of seashells, and starfish. Australian Beach Accessibility
Top 3 Wheelchair Accessible Bush Walks in NSW National Parks Top 3 Wheelchair Accessible Bush Walks in NSW National Parks
Guide to Accessible Visitor Attractions in Sydney Guide to Accessible Visitor Attractions in Sydney
Top 12 Tips to make venues more accessible Top 12 Tips to make venues more accessible
Top 10 Accessible Travel Tips Top 10 Accessible Travel Tips
Your Guide to Adaptive Winter Sports Your Guide to Adaptive Winter Sports
Four Accessible Extreme Sports to Try Four Accessible Extreme Sports to Try
Getting around Canberra, Disability Access Getting around Canberra, Disability Access
NDIS Social Inclusion Funding NDIS Social Inclusion Funding
Travelling with a Carer? Qantas Carer Concession Card is Available Travelling with a Carer? Qantas Carer Concession Card is Available
Seven Pillars of Inclusion for Swimming Seven Pillars of Inclusion for Swimming
Fishability Fishability
Ten Priorities to Address Disability Inequity in ATSI Communities for the NDIS Ten Priorities to Address Disability Inequity in ATSI Communities for the NDIS
Future Planning for People with MS Future Planning for People with MS
NDIS for Aboriginal People with Disability - Accessing the NDIS NDIS for Aboriginal People with Disability - Accessing the NDIS
NDIS for Aboriginal People with Disability - What is the NDIS? NDIS for Aboriginal People with Disability - What is the NDIS?
NDIS for Aboriginal people with disability in NSW NDIS for Aboriginal people with disability in NSW
Physical Activity - Choosing the One for You Physical Activity - Choosing the One for You
What is Dementia: Easy Read Factsheet What is Dementia: Easy Read Factsheet
Transition Planning Checklist Transition Planning Checklist
We've Got This: Parenting with a disability - Acquiring a disability later in life We've Got This: Parenting with a disability - Acquiring a disability later in life
Two women sitting in a boat. Both are smiling and one is holding an oar. Living Life to the Fullest - Nicole Lu
Orange APP with a smiley face on it Moovit Transport App Instructional Video
Lady in a wheelchair on a plane ♿️WHEELCHAIR TRAVEL✈️: Check-in: Security: Aisle chair: Special Assistance: Transferring: Toileting
Man in a wheelchair holding his arms up WHEELCHAIR ON A BUS? (how to use public transportation vlog)
People on an Escalator What's it like catching public transport with a disability?
Accessible Travel – What Is Good Accessibility? Accessible Travel – What Is Good Accessibility?
People at the starting line ready to go Bushwalking in Sydney Using a wheelchair (Naturally Accessible)
Man in wheelchair in airport Accessible Air Travel Revealed - Virgin Atlantic
Lady in swimsuit about to put on goggles We're The Superhumans | Rio Paralympics 2016 Trailer
Booking, check in, and Boarding Flying and Cruising - Travel Made Easy
3 people in wheelchairs Access it! Using Wheelchairs on Buses - Part 2
Boarding the bus and a lady in a wheelchair ready to board a bus Access it! Using Wheelchairs on Buses - Part 1
Sophie receiving a gold metal Sophie Pascoe wins at the Glasgow Games
Group of people at a music festival Leisure Options - Great holidays for people with disabilities: Music Festivals
Leisure Options Logo Leisure Options - Great holidays for people with disabilities: Tasmania
Paralympic swimmers Beneath the Surface - Sophie Pascoe, Paralympian
Image of city street and buildings Montreal, Canada: Wheelchair Travel Tips
Map of North Sydney Accessibility: North Sydney Olympic Pool
Sydney Opera House Sails Sydney Opera House: Accessibility Program
Group of men More than Walking
Man with no legs and woman dancing How to Dance Without Legs
Four Factors of Accessible Tourism Four Factors of Accessible Tourism
Woman with a child painting using mouth in the lounge room Living My Way – Aboriginal Disability Network
Man sitting in wheelchair with city and water backdrop speaking about travel and disability IDEAS - Travel Choices for People with Disability