A new app developed at the University of Melbourne is helping people with disabilities and informal carers stay socially and physically active.
Disability support platform ‘ConnectUp’ enables users to build new connections online and arrange in-person meetups, while also highlighting accessible venues and inclusive physical activity opportunities.
Founder Associate Professor Dominika Kwasnicka said the app was co-designed by people with a disability and carers to address both social isolation and physical inactivity.
“Making social connections as an adult isn’t always easy – but for people with disability and informal carers, it can be even more challenging,” she said.
“ConnectUp breaks down social barriers while supporting people to be active together, which is vital for both physical and mental wellbeing.”
After downloading the app, users can create a profile, discover local activities, directly message others and explore an interactive map of inclusive sports and events such as wheelchair basketball and accessible volleyball.
The map is curated by users and partner organisations, ensuring the information is current, secure and up-to-date.
“Research shows nearly one in five Australians with a disability experience social isolation, more than double the rate of those without,” said Associate Professor Kwasnicka.
“Carers are also disproportionately affected by this often overlooked issue. ConnectUp aims to address that.”
The team has received funding from state and national goverment, with a total investment of more than $2 million to provide the app for free to users and organisations delivering inclusive activities.
ConnectUp is supported by organisations including Carers Australia, Carers WA, Alike WA, WA Disabled Sports Association, Ramsay Health Care, and the Australian Citizen Science Association.
Additional academic research partners include Curtin University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, The University of Queensland, Macquarie University, Griffiths University, CSIRO, and University of Sydney.
ConnectUp officially launches on 7 June and will be available to download to your mobile device.
