Gold Coast Disability Expo 2026: The Services That Caught Our Attention
Image Description: Maria with dark brown hair wearing a grey sweater & black leggings, holding an Aruga Awhina bag and Amanda wearing a white Aruga Awhina shirt & black jeans, both standing in front of a wall saying ‘Disability Events Community’ at the expo.
Today, we headed along to the Gold Coast Disability Expo, held at SOPO in Southport, and as always, we came away with plenty to think about!
The Expo brings together a huge range of organisations, businesses, support services and community groups from across the disability sector. It is a great opportunity for participants, families, carers and support workers to discover what is available locally and, perhaps just as importantly, find services they may not have known existed.
And there was a little bonus for getting there early — we were one of the first 200 people through the doors, which meant FREE COFFEE! ☕️ We weren't going to say no to that!
While there were plenty of familiar faces and organisations at the Expo, several services really stood out to us for the unique and valuable work they are doing.
Path Start — Finding Employment That Means Something
One of the services that caught our attention was Path Start, who focus specifically on employment training, preparation and support.
What really stood out to us was their employment and HR background. Rather than simply helping someone find a job, their approach is centred around helping people find meaningful employment that they actually enjoy.
Their experience in HR and employment means they understand the legalities and realities of the workplace, while their existing networks can help connect people with potential employers and opportunities.
For someone looking to enter the workforce, change careers or find employment that better suits their interests and abilities, this could be a really valuable service.
FS Academy — Learning the Skills for Adult Life
FS Academy provides life training and practical skills for young people aged 17–21.
Their programs cover some of those big life skills that aren't always taught in school but become incredibly important as we move into adulthood — including managing finances and navigating the challenges of becoming an adult.
One program that particularly caught our attention was Date-Ability.
Dating can be exciting, confusing and sometimes downright intimidating for anyone. Date-Ability provides education around social etiquette, safety and sexual health, helping young people develop the knowledge and confidence they need before putting themselves out there.
We thought this was a fantastic example of looking beyond the traditional areas of support and recognising that relationships, dating, safety and social connection are all important parts of life too.
Beyond Mobility — Technology That Keeps Moving Forward
If you know us, you'll know we're always interested in anything that promotes greater independence and accessibility — so Beyond Mobility definitely caught our eye!
They showcased some seriously impressive mobility technology.
One of their mobility chairs isn't simply adjustable for height — it can also be adjusted width-wise, making it much more adaptable to the person using it, with a capacity of up to 150kg.
And the technology doesn't stop there.
Their equipment can include features such as reversing lights and side indicators, helping mobility equipment become more integrated with the surrounding environment and improving visibility and safety.
But the real showstopper?
We got to see a mobility chair that can go up stairs!
Technology in the disability sector continues to evolve, and seeing equipment like this is a great reminder of just how much assistive technology can contribute to independence and participation.
Inclusive Employment Australia — Creating Opportunities
Another organisation that stood out to us was Inclusive Employment Australia.
They provide employment support for people with disability, injury or health conditions, helping people find and maintain meaningful employment and careers they enjoy.
What particularly caught our attention was their dedicated program supporting First Nations people living with disability, injury or health conditions.
Employment isn't just about earning an income. Finding a career that provides purpose, connection, confidence and independence can have a huge impact on someone's quality of life.
Together Daily — Keeping Families Connected
Together Daily takes a slightly different approach to support.
Their software acts as a safe and secure go-between for participants and their families, particularly when family members don't live in the same household.
It provides a way for families and friends to stay updated on what their loved one has been doing with their supports, helping maintain that connection even when they can't physically be there.
For families who live further away or aren't able to attend appointments and support sessions themselves, having a secure way to stay connected could provide some valuable peace of mind.
Fitness Enhancement Personal Training — Fitness That Comes to You
We also came across Fitness Enhancement Personal Training, who provide personalised fitness support across the Gold Coast.
They have studios available in different locations, but what we particularly liked was that they are also mobile.
That means they can come to you!
Their training can focus on things such as cardio and strength training, with programs designed around helping individuals work towards their own goals.
Fitness doesn't have to mean going to a busy gym or trying to fit yourself into a traditional exercise environment. Sometimes, having someone meet you where you're comfortable can make all the difference.
ME/CFS & FM Queensland — Lived Experience Making a Difference
Another organisation we were really pleased to discover was ME/CFS & FM Queensland.
This is a volunteer and lived-experience-led organisation supporting people living with conditions including Fibromyalgia (FM) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
They help connect people with appropriate information and services, while also providing practical hints and tips for managing flare-ups and navigating life with these conditions.
Their work extends beyond individual support too. They work alongside researchers and governing bodies to advocate for change and increase awareness.
Organisations led by people with lived experience can provide an incredibly valuable perspective because they understand that living with disability or chronic illness isn't simply about a diagnosis — it affects every part of daily life.
BreastScreen Queensland — Don't Forget Your Health Checks
BreastScreen Queensland was also there with an important reminder that healthcare and preventative screening shouldn't be forgotten.
They provided information about regular health checks, including bowel screening, breast screening and cervical screening, as well as information about adjustments that can be made for people with disability who may require additional support or accessibility adjustments when attending these appointments.
Healthcare should be accessible to everyone, and knowing that adjustments are available can help remove some of the barriers people may experience when accessing routine screening.
Image Description: Taken at the expo, the hall with grey walls, lots of people standing around different tables displaying their banner and flyers.
What We Took Away From the Expo
One of the things we love about attending disability expos is being reminded that disability support is about so much more than support work.
It's employment, relationships, fitness and physical wellbeing, technology and independence, staying connected with family, healthcare, learning how to manage money and navigate adulthood, & advocacy. And sometimes, it's simply finding the right person or organisation who understands what you're going through.
There are so many services available across the Gold Coast and beyond, but finding them can sometimes feel like a job in itself. Events like the Gold Coast Disability Expo provide a fantastic opportunity to bring many of those services together under one roof.
For us at Aruga Āwhina, it's also a chance to keep learning about the organisations and services available in our community so that we can better support the people we work alongside.
And, of course, we're always happy when there's free coffee involved!
Did you attend the Gold Coast Disability Expo?
We'd love to know — what service or organisation caught your attention?
