Fitness is for all

We’re all guilty of saying it, “new year, new me.” However, the Able Digital Wellness app, is helping NDIS participants from Aruma Disability Services achieve their health and fitness goals

Cathy, Rebecca and Natasha are three housemates living at Aruma’s Supported Independent Living home in Forster, New South Wales. They first started using the app in 2020, and say it’s been a big part of their wellness journey.

“The app was fantastic during COVID-19 and the lockdowns. The exercise programs were keeping us busy during the day and giving the ladies inspiration to try new movements,” said Aruma Support Worker, Allison Matthews.

She continued, “Cathy really improved her fitness, and we went from walking to the end of the street, to walking the whole block in just 6 months. It was great to see her achieve her goal and become more consistent with her exercise routine.”

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare tells us that while 52% of Australians without disability report having insufficient physical activity, this number jumps to 72% for people with disability.

That’s where accessible, inclusive and sustainable fitness options like Able Digital Wellness, comes in.

The app contains tailored exercise programs, recipes, diet advice, introductions to a range of sports, yoga and mental wellness tools, all created for people with a disability and their support networks.

“At Able Digital Wellness, we believe everyone deserves a healthy and active life. It’s inspiring to see Cathy, Rebecca, and Natasha use the platform to set and achieve their fitness goals. Our goal has always been to make exercise, nutrition, and wellness more accessible and engaging for people with disability, and it’s rewarding to see the real impact it’s having in Aruma’s homes,” said Scott Chapman, Co-Founder and CEO of Able Digital Wellness.

As one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service providers under the NDIS, Aruma currently supports close to 4000 people with a disability. Helping them achieve their goals and live the life they choose is at the heart of all they do.

“We know that healthy eating and exercising can be a challenge, so it’s great that apps like Able are making this more accessible. They are a great example of the power of inclusion. They have really put people with disability at the front of mind when designing the app and we love it,” said Executive General Manager Shared Living, Rebecca Marriott.

A version of this story appeared in the Great Lakes Advocate and the Manning River Times.