YOUR IMPACT
Imagine a daily life where your current definition of possible was a bit less plausible – a life where learning, reasoning, and problem-solving or the general life skills they go hand in hand with were a struggle. This is the challenge and reality for the people with disability we support.
In 2023, The Great Endeavour Rally is going the extra mile to help redefine how we overcome the everyday challenges of people with disability, paving the way for a more open and accessible reality filled with greater opportunities for everyone.
PROOF OF WHAT YOU'RE ACHIEVING
WITH EVERY KM AND DONATION
Our friend from the Gold Coast, Megan, has been eager to be more independent in her daily life but she’s been missing one important thing. She needs a driver’s licence.
Learning to drive is considered a rite of passage for many Australians, but it can be more challenging for people with disability. But, thanks to Endeavour Foundation’s custom-made Virtual Reality (VR) driving simulation, Megan is gaining the confidence she needs to get behind the wheel in the real world.
“I was anxious about learning to drive, but Paula [my support worker] is helping me to overcome my barriers,” she said.
“I want to be independent and not have to rely on my mum or support workers to take me everywhere.
“[If I can drive] I can get myself to work and personal appointments.
“VR is giving me the skills and knowledge to be able to focus and get ready for my Learner’s [licence].
During the VR driving simulation, learners have to remember to fasten seatbelts, check the blind spots before merging, and use their indicators. If they miss a crucial safety step, the simulation fails, and they start over. Endeavour Foundation’s Labrador Learning and Lifestyle Manager Natasha Major said it was great to help NDIS participants meet their goals.
“Megan’s a very capable person and she’s brilliant at using this simulation. Learning to drive will open up doors to independence and employment, and set her on the road to a brighter future, ” Ms Major said.
Every Donation Counts
1 in 5
people within Australia have some form of disability
35.9%
of Australian’s 8.9 Million households include a person with a disability [1]
Every
2 hours
a child is diagnosed with an intellectual disability [2]
10%
The unemployment rate for people with disability is 10% nearly double that for people without disability
21
Australia ranks 21 out of 29 OECD countries for labour force participation of people with disability [2]
80%
Almost 80% of school principals report not having enough resources to meet the needs of children with disability. [3]
Except where stated otherwise, data is taken from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2019, 4430.0 - Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia 2018.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016, 4430.0 - Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers 2015.
[2] ‘Disability expectations – Investing in a better life, a stronger Australia’ – Price Waterhouse Coopers, 2011.
[3] Australian Education Union 2015 State of Our Schools Survey
