At Allowah, activities like crafting, cooking, and playing games are not just about having fun (although we definitely do that, too!)—they’re designed with purpose. Our dedicated disability support workers carefully plan each activity to provide enriching opportunities for children and young people to explore, engage, and learn through sensory experiences, skill practice, and social interaction.
Building Essential Skills in Fun Ways
For kids with complex disabilities, engaging in arts, crafts, and games can serve as a wonderful and effective way to develop essential skills. From fine motor movement to social skills, each moment of play has deeper goals:
Fostering Independence and Creativity Through Choice-Making
In each activity, children are encouraged to make choices, whether it’s deciding on colors for a cupcake, selecting materials for a sensory bottle, or choosing flowers for gardening projects. These small decisions empower them, offering a sense of independence and creativity as they express their personal preferences in their own unique ways.
Following Instructions and Completing Tasks
Listening to and following instructions is a core part of many activities at Allowah, whether it’s mixing ingredients in cooking or arranging pieces for an art project. These moments encourage children to pay attention to spoken guidance, and completing a task provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment, making each project a success to celebrate.
Social Connection and Group Play
Social games and group activities create wonderful opportunities for kids to engage with each other and our staff. Activities like interactive games or “pass the parcel” help participants practice taking turns, waiting, and interacting positively with others in a group. For children who experience communication challenges, these shared moments of play foster connection and joy.
Small Moments, Big Milestones
Every little pot, cupcake, or painting represents a big milestone for our children and young people. Behind each project, our support workers are championing each child’s progress, ensuring they’re supported in every way as they reach new developmental heights.
At Allowah, we believe every smile and small success matters. Each day, through intentional activities and purposeful play, we’re helping children learn, grow, and experience the world around them with joy.
Thank you for your patience as we update our website to reflect Allowah’s next chapter and the changes announced in June this year. If you have any questions, please contact our CEO Elizabeth McClean at emmclean@pcnsw.org.au.