Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maccabi All Abilities?

Maccabi All Abilities offers sporting and active recreational programs and opportunities for Jewish individuals with special needs. We offer a range of all abilities-specific programs, supported integration opportunities, recreational/social events and volunteer opportunities.

What sports do you offer?

We currently offer a range of All Abilities programs. These include:

Basketball (weekly on a Monday night)
Activities such as dance, table tennis or Get Into Cardio Tennis (in 4-weekly blocks, on a Wednesday afternoon)
Swimming (weekly on a Sunday morning)
Shmooze and Groove (walking group) (fortnightly on a Sunday afternoon)
Fitness sessions (fortnightly on a Thursday afternoon)

Where are you based?

Basketball is held at Orrong Romanis in Prahran
Swimming is held at Bialik in Hawthorn
Most of our other activities are based in Caulfield (at the Jewish Care Manders Villas)

What if I want to play a different sport?

Come and talk to us! Maccabi Victoria has 23 sporting clubs and we are very happy to liaise with the mainstream sporting clubs to try and identify opportunities for integration. Sometimes it might mean the player just goes to training and doesn’t play in matches, sometimes they need some extra support – we do our best to tailor it to the player’s needs.

Is it all about wheelchair basketball?

Definitely not! In fact we don’t currently have any wheelchair-specific programs. We endeavour to ensure that all of our programs are wheelchair-accessible but our programs are designed to cater to people with any sort of disability.

Can I get 1:1 support?

If you require individual support to be able to participate in a program then this is something you will need to organise. Our coaches and volunteers do their best to accommodate all members and their needs, but unfortunately we don’t have the resources to be able to offer 1:1 support.

If you need 1:1 support and are struggling to find it, we can put you in touch with some suitable organisations.

Do you play against other teams?

Our basketball team participates in several all abilities basketball tournaments per year, although we don’t play in regular competitions.

We also encourage participants to join our team as part of the annual Maccabi / MS Swimathon.

We try to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in sport and active recreation and as such, many of our opportunities are non-competitive.

I like sport but don't want to play on a regular basis. What can I do?

We run special events several times per term. Some previous events include horse riding, a disco, lawn bowls, tenpin bowling and going to the footy.

We offer supported coaching and volunteer positions for members with appropriate skills

What if my child/client has high needs? What is suitable?

Many of our programs can offer options to suit varying needs and abilities. Our Shmooze and Groove (walking group), for example, is a great mix of those walking on-foot, and those in wheelchairs. We encourage you to get in contact with us to discuss what suits your specific situation.

What age group do you cater for?

Whilst most of our participants are 18+, we endeavour to cater for most ages, and everyone from high school age and above is welcome at our regular programs.

We are workshopping programs and sessions specifically for teenage/high school-aged participants, and would love your input if you fit that demographic (allabilities@macvic.com.au).

In addition, we are more than happy to liaise with the mainstream clubs to look at integrating players into their programs.

What if I’m not really sporty?

It doesn’t matter – our programs are designed to focus on being social and getting moving – not on fierce competition.

How can I volunteer? Are you looking for coaches?

Definitely! Get in touch with Shari (allabilities@macvic.com.au) to have a chat about what coaching and volunteer vacancies we currently have.

Can you suggest a sport that runs during the day?

Our programs don’t currently run during business/school hours.

Access Inc. runs the Healthy Me program on a Friday afternoon. For more information contact programs@accessinc.org.au.

GESAC runs a range of disability-specific programs during weekdays including all abilities basketball (Wednesdays) and a range of fitness classes (Monday-Thursday). Contact Cameron Lee on 0423 200 027 to discuss.

You can also refer to Score! (Disability Sport and Recreation’s online directory) or AAA Play (Reclink’s online directory).

How can I find out more?

Check our website: http://www.maccabi.com.au/VIC/All-Abilities/

Look at our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/maccabivictoriaallabilities/

Sign up to our monthly newsletter via Facebook

Contact Shari for more information: allabilities@macvic.com.au / 9563 5885