A project of the
Shining a light on inclusion, one place at a time.
See More Abilities
See More Abilities is a community-built app developed through the Place Based Abilities Program - an inclusive social and capacity-building initiative for young people who identify as neurodivergent, whether or not they are eligible for the NDIS.
Developed by The Place Charlestown Community Centre in collaboration with ReadyUp Skills, the program was created in response to feedback from young people and their families about the barriers they face in everyday spaces. Together, we set out to make a difference - by celebrating strengths, building skills, and amplifying lived experience.
One of the program’s proudest achievements is this app: See More Abilities. Co-designed by participants, the app helps assess how accessible local stores and community spaces are - providing clear, constructive feedback to encourage businesses to create more welcoming, inclusive environments.
Everything you see in the app - from the accessibility categories and scoring system to the colours, layout, icons, and even our friendly magnifying glass mascot Seymore Ways (get it? See-more-ways!) was imagined and shaped by the participants themselves. At every step, their voices, creativity, and insight led the way.
See More Abilities is more than just a tool. It’s a celebration of diverse abilities, a platform for advocacy, and a powerful reminder that when we design with community, we build a better world for everyone.
Participant Perspectives
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Sensory Challenges:
“Low sensory hours make a huge difference for people like me. The lights are softer, the noise is lower, and I don’t feel overwhelmed just walking into a store. It’s such a simple change, but it means I can actually enjoy shopping instead of avoiding it.”
Program Participant, Place Based Abilities
Staff Interaction:
“The staff were really kind, but you could tell they hadn’t had any training on how to support someone with access needs. With the right guidance, they’d be amazing! Sometimes it’s just about giving people the information to do better.”
Program Participant, Place Based Abilities
Store Appearance:
“I love shopping at my favourite store, but sometimes the cluttered shelves make it hard to get around. A little more space would make it even more welcoming for everyone.”
Program Participant, Place Based Abilities
