Wheelie friend, Elana Hand, recently went on a four night holiday to Sargood On Collaroy funded by NDIS. This is her experience.
I booked four nights. It was my first time and I wanted to enjoy it without feeling stuck.
The trip was about an hour from my home in inner-Sydney to the Northern Beaches. From the moment I arrived, I wanted to stay longer. It was like heaven on earth and very relaxing with amazing beach views.
My room, a deluxe studio, was enormous and fully accessible. A family of four could have stayed there comfortably. My bed was cosy, easily accessed with a ceiling hoist, and rails on either side. Equipment in the room including the TV and curtains were controlled by a touch button on an iPad.
You can bring your own support staff but I made use of the support staff working at Sargood on Collaroy.
There was an incredible list of activities to do. I immediately booked into as many as I could including swimming and kayaking. I felt supported in the kayak seats by the backrest and cushion. I also tried a relaxing and invigorating one-on-one adaptive yoga and the most intense gym session. Support staff made me feel at ease.
I met many other incredible and courageous guests and listened intently to their stories. My neighbour Forrest, a quadriplegic after a skiing accident three years ago, was also enjoying Sargood on Collaroy with his wife and two kids. I felt lucky to have been born with my disability.
It’s self-catered with all guests required to bring their own food and drinks. There are lowered benchtops in the kitchen. There is also the option of ordering in. I couldn’t fund the IGA nearby but enjoyed the food bought in by Mum.
I plan on returning for another relaxing holiday and trying other activities.
Sargood On Collaroy is a luxury accessible accommodation facility for people with spinal cord injury and their family.
Elana Hand’s previous holiday was on board a cruise ship.
Kate Swain 