Ability 1000: Where Accessibility Meets Adrenaline
When we heard about Ability 1000, we knew it was an event we wanted to be part of — and it certainly didn't disappoint!
Held by LME Care, a Brisbane-based company, Ability 1000 brings together people with disability, car enthusiasts and thrill seekers for the opportunity to experience something pretty special: getting out on the track for a ride in a V8 race car.
And yes… there was even a car painted to look like Lightning McQueen!
Image Description: A black BMW vehicle with stickers from Black & White Cabs, Aruga Awhina, LME Care and Magnus Health on a grey paved area in front of a white shed.
A Windy Start!
Our day started with a little bit of excitement before the cars even hit the track!
It was a particularly cool and windy day, with a few gazebos around the event deciding they wanted to take off on their own. We managed to keep ours firmly planted, although there was definitely a period where we had to keep a close eye on everything on the table!
Despite the wind, the atmosphere was fantastic, and it didn't take long for everyone to get into the spirit of the day.
Image Description: Amanda & Maria wearing white tops with the ‘Grid Girls’ wearing pink jumpsuits, waving checkered flags in front of a black BMW vehicle displaying the Aruga Awhina logo.
Accessibility, Inclusion & A Whole Lot of Adrenaline
What really stood out to us about Ability 1000 was seeing accessibility being genuinely considered as part of the experience.
Events like this are a wonderful reminder that inclusion isn't just about making sure someone can attend — it's about making sure they can actually participate, experience and enjoy themselves.
Watching people get the opportunity to experience the speed, noise and excitement of a V8 race car was incredible. There were plenty of smiles, plenty of excitement and, for some, probably a few nervous moments before getting into those cars!
It was fantastic to see an experience that is traditionally associated with motorsport being made accessible to people with disability and giving everyone the opportunity to have a bit of a thrill.
Image Description: Blue sky with some cloud, green grass down-low. In between black bitumen with 5 cars lined up, sponsorship stickers on all the cars. The last car is stickered up to look like Lightning McQueen.
Connecting With Other Providers
We also loved having the opportunity to connect with other organisations and providers who were there supporting the event and their communities.
We caught up with organisations including Aruma, Magnus Care and Black & White Cab, among others.
Events like Ability 1000 aren't just about the experience on the day — they're also a great opportunity for providers, organisations and community members to come together, share ideas and build connections.
Image Description: To the left, a tall white shed with tinted windows and ‘Ability 1000’ sign over the entrance. Two cars parked to the left, from the centre about 5 gazebos of providers.
The Nitro Garage Finale
One of the highlights of the day came from Nitro Garage, a men's mental health group who brought along an impressive drag racing vehicle.
Following a small ceremony inside, complete with giveaways and celebrations, everyone was invited outside for something a little louder!
The drag racer was fired up, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the incredible sound and vibrations these machines can produce.
For us, this was such a cool part of the day because it wasn't just something to look at — it was something you could hear, feel and experience.
Image description: The Nitro Garage gazebo with a black & white drag racing vehicle underneath.
More Events Like This, Please!
Ability 1000 was a fantastic example of what can happen when accessibility and inclusion are genuinely incorporated into an experience.
There was something for everyone — fast cars, loud engines, community connections, plenty of smiles and, most importantly, the opportunity for people with disability to experience the thrill of motorsport alongside everyone else.
We left feeling pretty grateful to have been part of it and excited to see what LME Care and the Ability 1000 team do next.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in putting the event together and creating a space where accessibility, inclusion and a little bit of adrenaline could all share the same track. 🏁💜
From all of us at Aruga Āwhina — we can't wait for the next one!
Image Description: Amanda & Maria standing in the Aruga Awhina booth.
