Ground-breaking resort making a splash with accessibility

by Sargood on Colloroy

Sargood on Collaroy is a resort purpose built for people with spinal cord injury. Spacious and beautifully appointed apartments feature modern amenities and advanced home automation technology to deliver a stress-free experience. A wide range of accessible recreation/leisure activities and a state-of-theart gym complete the resort experience and put the fun back into travel. For those looking for an accessible holiday or short-term accommodation and assistance, Sargood is the perfect choice. Contact us at:

www.sargoodoncollaroy.com 02 8597 0600 1 Brissenden Avenue, Collaroy, NSW 2099

David and Jacob (Sargood Rec Team)

Summer and the great outdoor lifestyle go hand in hand but for people with disabilities the accessibility barriers can make it all too hard. One resort challenging the norm is Sargood on Collaroy; a world-first facility purpose-built for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) located on a spectacular headland at Collaroy beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Inclusivity is at the forefront of the entire offering at Sargood on Collaroy, including an impressive adaptive recreation and leisure program offering everything from surfing to rock climbing. With the support of specially trained staff and a wide range of accessible equipment, the activity program provides an opportunity for guests to engage in new experiences, learn new skills and connect with peers.

As a beach-front resort, water activities are often top of guests’ holiday bucket lists.

Despite advancements in accessible town planning, accessibility ramps remain few and far between at Australian beaches. The

And Wade, Sargood Exercise Physiologist

Sargood on Collaroy staff have developed safe techniques to support guests both up and down stairs, and sand to water access is made possible via the use of equipment such as manual beach wheelchairs by Lasher Sport & Mogo Wheelchairs and Magic Mobility X8 Extreme 4x4 Power Chairs. The team regularly review access points across various locations on the Northern Beaches, aware of the everchanging nature of the coastal environment and the challenges it presents. This includes negotiating shifts in access points affected by the tides, where an area that is flat one week may develop sand cliffs the next.

Of course, beach access is not limited to accessing the water. Although beach access matting gives wheelchair users a direct path across the sand, it does not offer the freedom of a beach chair, which gives users free movement across the entire beach.

Surfing at Sargood on Collaroy not only focuses on the experience of catching a wave, but centres on the task of learning to surf as independently as possible. Guests are assisted through both staff and the use of the Wavejet Propulsion system; a portable electric pod that is fastened to a surfboard proving paddling power when a guest in unable to paddle independently. In addition to surfing being offered daily as part of our rec program, Sargood on Collaroy also run a number of surf courses throughout the year aimed at further developing skills and independence in the water.

Prior to open water snorkelling, Sargood on Collaroy staff often work with guests in the local ocean pool to develop important skills such as floating and rolling over unaided. This is also used as an opportunity to assess how much assistance will be required once in the

ocean. Snorkelling is typically carried out at Shelly Beach, Manly. Depending on weather conditions, the water is accessible via a boat ramp or directly across the sand itself. Staff support for guests in the water vary based on experience and confidence – some requiring 3:1 support with others are almost completely independent. Whilst ensuring guest safety is never compromised, the staff encourage increasing independence over time.

Fishing is another activity much loved by guests of Sargood on Collaroy, which can be enjoyed both from the beach and from a kayak. X8 Extreme 4x4 Power Chairs provide access from the resort onto the beach and across the sand. Electric fishing reels, strong arm supports, and rod holders are also all incorporated into this activity depending on our guests’ level of injury.

Kayaking, offered at Narrabeen Lakes, can accommodate most levels of injury including higher level quadriplegics, who are supported through use of tandem kayaks. Active hands gripping aids, foam seating support and single and double kayaks are all utilised during this activity, and fishing rods can be used if desired.

Sargood on Collaroy aims to create an environment that fosters independence and the development of new skills, striving to set a new standard for accessible travel.

Lee and Sebastian (Sargood Activities Coordinator)

Bilal and Darren with Sebastian and Bri (Sargood Rec Team)

It’s all about access & freedom

Para Mobility specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of disability equipment. Our key Australian made products include:

• Pool access hoists • Pool access platforms • Lift and change facility equipment • Ceiling hoists & tracks • Wall mounted adult change tables • Building code compliant equipment

Phone 1300 444 600 sales@paramobility.com.au www.paramobility.com.au

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