Community groups and clubs
Finding inclusive community groups, clubs and meetups with a disability — and the NDIS supports that help you join in and feel part of things.
Groups and clubs are where a lot of community life happens — a shared interest, a regular time, and familiar faces that slowly become friends. With a disability, the trick is finding groups that are genuinely inclusive and getting the support to join in. This guide is about finding those groups, clubs and meetups, and using your NDIS supports to take part fully and feel like you belong.
Why groups and clubs are worth it
Kinds of groups to look for
How to find inclusive groups
Supports that help you join in
Settling in and feeling you belong
Frequently asked questions
Can the NDIS help me join a community group or club?
It can fund the disability support that helps you take part — such as a support worker to attend with you and help you get there — usually from your Core budget. It does not pay club fees or memberships, which are ordinary costs you pay yourself.
How do I find inclusive groups near me?
Start with your interest and search locally, ask your support worker, coordinator or LAC, check disability organisations, and look at community noticeboards, libraries and council listings. Online meetup platforms can help too.
Should I look for mainstream or disability-specific groups?
Both are worth considering. Mainstream inclusive groups focus on a shared interest where disability is beside the point; disability-specific groups offer shared understanding. Many people enjoy both — it depends on what you want.
What if a group does not feel right?
That is completely fine. It is okay to try a few groups and move on from ones that do not fit — that is finding your place, not failing. There are others, and it is often a matter of a few tries.
How do I know if a group is actually accessible?
Ask directly before you go — about the venue, the people, and whether they have welcomed people with disability before. A quick conversation up front saves a wasted trip and tells you a lot about the group.
I am nervous about the first visit — any tips?
The first few visits are the hardest for everyone. Go a few times before deciding, let people get to know you gradually, and lean on a support worker early if that helps you keep turning up. Belonging builds with time.