As the 7.8 metre yacht Freedom slipped off its moorings and began making its way towards open waters MyPath clients Dwayne and Liam were eagerly anticipating the day’s sailing ahead of them.
Part of Minda’s northern program based out of Elizabeth, this was the day to take to the waters with the Dis-Able Sailing crew, husband and wife duo Bob and Deidre Schahinger.
Dwayne, who was only on his second time out at sea, was looking forward to setting sail from the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron marina.
“Last time we saw the seals and the birds,” Dwayne says. “I like all things about sailing.”
The yacht, built in 2000 at the Gold Coast TAFE, is one of 13 of its kind in Australia specifically designed to provide access to sailing for people with disability boasting a longer pilot area to provide better seating.
For some of our clients a big goal is social inclusion, so they come out with us one or two days a week and meet with people they wouldn’t normally see.
Bob and Diedre who have been sailing for decades, have been with the boat Freedom since it arrived in Adelaide 12 years ago and have been operating the Dis-Able Sailing try sailing days ever since.
A regular highlight of a trip out for the MyPath crew is a large gathering of seals, particularly in winter on the rocks outside the marina along with bird life and the occasional dolphin, though on this particular trip Dwayne was also thrilled to see the large container ships out on the open water.
Minda in the North Support Leader Louise Toro says the MyPath activities are not simply about getting out and having fun, they also work towards the individual goals of Minda clients.
“For some of our clients a big goal is social inclusion, so they come out with us one or two days a week and meet with people they wouldn’t normally see,” Louise says.
“But for others a goal is to be able to work in the future so this program is also about getting up and out, getting used to schedules, being on time and being involved.
“Even the programs we do in-house like crafts and exercise have a strong purpose in meeting the goals of clients.”
If you know someone who would like support to achieve goals in their NDIS plan, contact Minda’s Elizabeth office on (08) 8252 2666.
