Paralympian Don Elgin knows how to get the best out of himself. He won four medals across the 2000 and 2004 games.
Now, the former athlete, motivational speaker and author is firmly focussed on helping other Australians with different abilities.
Wallara Australia is delighted to announce that Don Elgin will head up Wallara Online, an innovative digital service providing people with different abilities across Australia with innovative support options.
Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program offers a suite of online services that remove traditional physical barriers and give people with different abilities more options.
“I’ve always loved coaching and motivating others, and having served as a director for five years, I’m constantly proud of this agency and its mission,” Don Elgin said.
“We’re stoked to have Don on board to lead this new venture,” Wallara CEO Phil Hayes-Brown said.
“We created Wallara Online because of COVID-19, when we had 300 clients stuck at home in lockdown. The feedback from families who were participating in live classes led by our passionate coaches was overwhelmingly positive. We immediately realised this service could play a major role in our offering moving forward,” Hayes-Brown said.
Classes include a range of social and educational programs, covering everything from money handling to rock music, fitness and animals.
Participants simply need NDIS funding, an internet connection and a device, meaning the support is accessible for remote or rural Australians who have missed out in the past. For Elgin, who grew up in Tocumwal in southern Riverina region of New South Wales, the program’s reach is especially exciting.
“As a country boy myself, I know how many people out there living with disabilities don’t have many choices when it comes to support. We want Wallara Online to offer them a new way to build their life skills and socially connect,” he said.
The new service will also provide opportunities for people to become presenters and coaches, including people with disabilities, those who have left full-time work to look after children, or even students from Monash University who have been eager to try online teaching and support.
Elgin commenced his new role on July 22nd. For more information on the program, please visit https://wallara.com.au/wallara-online/
