Help people like Terry pursue their passions

At Scope, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves and pursue their passions in their own unique way. Scope's Community Inclusion Service creates meaningful ways for people with disability to connect and be actively involved in their world, whether through art, writing, or playing a sport, they love. These vital programs – creative writing, art, and inclusive sports – benefit over 250 people each year.

Your support today will help us to continue to provide vital Community Inclusion programs.

Meet Terry Williams

Terry Williams resides at a Scope Supported Independent Living (SIL) house and practises his art daily. His art is a powerful window into his inner perspective, his interests, and the things he enjoys in life. Terry attends Arts Project Australia, a renowned studio in Northcote where he creates his distinctive, and highly sought after sculptures. As James McDonald (Studio Manager at Arts Project Australia) reflects, "...he's this artist with this big personality... It's Terry... He's a presence.".   

Terry’s style and preferred medium have changed and evolved over time, and he now focuses on soft sculpture. His unique works, known for their tactile forms and bold stitching, are celebrated in collections here and overseas – including significant collections like the National Gallery of Victoria, MONA in Hobart, and the Museum of Everything in London. For Terry, "His language is his artwork...he's treated like a bit of a rock star.".

Your gift of $90 can help more people like Terry access our Community Inclusion programs.

The Power of Community Inclusion Programs

Scope's Kaleidoscope art program, run in partnership with community arts organisations provides space, materials, and mentorship for artists with disability. But it does more than that – it fosters vital connections and a sense of belonging. Through workshops, led by specialist artists and the annual exhibition, participants develop their practice, showcase their work, receive awards from independent judges, and can even gain economic inclusion through art sales. Every year, over 65 works representing more than 50 Scope artists are exhibited at the Kaleidoscope exhibition. In 2024 Terry participated in the exhibition and won the Kaleidoscope Art Prize.  Seeing artists have their work "celebrated... just spurs an artist on... 'Oh, this work is understood and appreciated, I'll keep making it, and I'll develop it further'." 

Beyond art, the Community Inclusion Service includes Telescope creative writing sessions, Balloon Football, and Inclusive Hockey. These aren't just activities; they are lifelines that foster connection, build skills, prevent isolation, and empower people to pursue their passions.

Without programs like these, many participants might face a more isolating experience. Scope's services encourage people to expand their networks, make friends, learn from others, and deepen their links into the community. From the excitement of exhibiting and selling artwork to the camaraderie of being part of a sports team, these opportunities are invaluable. They ensure people with disability can continue to access programs that help them build skills, foster connections, and share their unique talents with the world. 

Until recently, the Community Inclusion programs provided by Scope were eligible for NDIS funding. Recent changes to legislation mean that these programs are considered recreational and do not meet the new criteria for individual NDIS funded support.

To ensure the programs continue to operate as they currently do, Scope must secure additional funding that will safeguard these programs and develop new ways to increase participation - but we need your help to do this.

Your generous gift today of $90 will help keep these Community Inclusion Service programs afloat.  

Thank you for believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passions and feel included.

With your support we can continue to provide opportunities for people living with disability to connect meaningfully with others and pursue their own passions.