Group Programs & Therapy.

Where Therapy Meets Play

Active Eight offers a wide range of engaging, NDIS claimable group therapy activities and therapeutic group programs for children and teens. Our programs combine fun, interest-based activities with disability-specific supports, creating opportunities for members to build confidence, independence and meaningful life skills in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

Through activities such as sports, cooking, dance, drama, music, movement, community access and more, children and teens are supported to develop their social, emotional, communication, motor and everyday living skills while having fun and connecting with others their age.

Our high support ratios, including 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 options across selected programs, allow members to meaningfully participate in activities suited to their interests, individual goals and support needs.

More Than Just a Recreational Activity

Active Eight group programs are not mainstream recreational classes or standard community sporting, dance or social activities. They are specifically designed to support children and teens with disability who may experience barriers accessing or participating in these activities without additional disability-specific support.

Our programs are structured around the functional needs, individual goals and support requirements of the members attending.

Depending on the program and individual member, supports may include:

High staff-to-member support ratios, including 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 support
Individual prompting, modelling and assistance throughout activities
Allied health professional input and oversight
Therapy and allied health assistant support
Individualised modification and adaptation of activities
Emotional regulation, behavioural and sensory support
Communication and social participation support
Development and implementation of individualised strategies, visual supports and social stories
Risk assessment, safety planning and ongoing monitoring
Support to develop functional skills including communication, emotional regulation, motor skills, independence, confidence, teamwork and community participation

The purpose of our programs is therefore not simply participation in the recreational activity itself. Instead, the activity provides a fun, structured and meaningful environment through which members can work towards their individual functional goals, build capacity and increase their confidence, independence and participation alongside others.

NDIS Claimable Supports

Our group programs are NDIS claimable where the support is appropriate to the participant’s individual NDIS plan and available funding.

Because our programs can involve a diverse combination of disability-specific supports — including allied health professional input and oversight, therapy/allied health assistants, support staff, individualised support, activity modification, regulation and behavioural support, risk management and different staffing ratios — more than one NDIS line item option may be listed for a program.

The appropriate line item can vary depending on the program, supports being delivered and the participant’s individual funding arrangements.

Where multiple options are provided, these are available so that the participant/family, together with their Plan Manager or Support Coordinator where applicable, can determine which option is appropriate and available within the participant’s individual plan.

There’s Always Something New at Active Eight!

We offer lots of different Term Time and Holiday Group Programs, with many of our current options available to explore below.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! We are always developing new programs, activities, excursions and group opportunities based on our members’ interests, goals and support needs.

Our program offerings can change from term to term and every school holiday period, so there is always something new to discover.

Make sure you check our website regularly for our latest Term Time and Holiday Programs, new activities and upcoming opportunities!

Find Your Program

Explore our Term Time Group Therapy Activities and Holiday Programs below to find something that matches your child’s interests, goals and individual support needs.

View our programs

**Mindful Movers**

Mindful Movers helps develop mobility, strength, relaxation, breathing and emotional regulation skills in a fun and supportive environment. The program also supports body awareness and improves the ability to return to a calm and regulated state when feeling overwhelmed.

**Martial Arts**

A martial arts program that helps develop mobility, strength, coordination, self-confidence and physical capacity in a fun and supportive environment, while also encouraging discipline, respect for others and awareness of the surrounding environment.

Acro

Let’s learn acrobatic tricks including handstands, cartwheels and partner stunts! Combining elements of gymnastics, jazz, balancing and coordination, members will develop strength, flexibility, confidence and fitness in a fun and supportive environment.

Sports Club

Develop gross motor skills, teamwork, coordination and an understanding of different sports in a fun and supportive therapy group environment. With a different sport focus each term, members can build confidence, physical skills and learn what it means to be a positive team player.

**Tennis**

Achieve a wide range of physical, play and tennis skills in a fun and supportive environment. Members will develop hand-eye coordination, motor planning, balance, core stability, teamwork and confidence through engaging tennis-based activities and games.

**Ninja Warrior**

Navigate obstacle courses both independently and in teams while developing strength, fitness, balance, coordination and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Graded Gymnastics

Forward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, jumps and turns! This inclusive program allows members to practice and perform routines both independently and in therapy groups while developing strength, coordination, balance, flexibility and confidence in a well-equipped gymnasium environment.

**Dance** (all styles)

Develop motor skills, stamina, concentration, musical awareness, flexibility, expression, coordination and creativity through engaging hip-hop, ballet, tap and jazz activities in a fun and supportive environment.

Dance Party

Celebrate Dance Party Week in Week 8 of each term with a fun disco-themed session full of music, movement and games! Members can build confidence, social skills, coordination and creativity while enjoying dancing, group activities and a high-energy party atmosphere with peers.

**Cheer**

Build motor skills, body awareness, coordination and confidence through a range of high-energy fitness, cheerleading and pom routines in a fun and supportive environment.

Foodies

Develop a positive relationship with food through increased nutritional awareness, food preparation skills and exploration of different tastes and textures in a fun and supportive environment.

**Musical Theatre**

Develop self-confidence, communication skills and creativity whilst embracing a love of acting, singing and dancing in a fun and supportive group environment.

**Troupes**

Work together as a group to learn and perform exciting dance routines at State and National Championships. We currently offer Jazz, Cheer and Hip Hop troupe opportunities, helping members build confidence, teamwork, creativity and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Thera Programs

For members who require higher levels of support within a group environment, we currently offer a range of 1:1 supported social, movement and motor skill programs including TheraCheer, TheraDance, TheraMindful Movers and TheraFit.

Dance Doubles

Choreograph your own dance routine alongside a teacher and another member, then perform virtually at State and National Championships. Members can build confidence, creativity, teamwork and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment. Expression of Interest required.

Program enquiry

The benefits of group therapy for kids

At Active Eight, we believe children learn best when they are engaged in activities they genuinely enjoy. Whether your child loves sport, dance, gaming, cooking, movement, creativity or imaginative play, our group programs are designed to build skills through fun, meaningful and motivating experiences.

Our supportive and neuroaffirming group environment helps children develop:
• Social and communication skills
• Confidence and independence
• Emotional regulation and resilience
• Gross and fine motor skills
• Teamwork and problem-solving skills
• Community participation and everyday life skills

Children also benefit from opportunities to build friendships, practice turn-taking and flexibility, increase self-esteem, and feel a sense of belonging alongside peers with similar interests and experiences.

With a wide range of therapy-led and community-based programs available, our team is passionate about making therapy engaging, supportive and the highlight of your child’s week..