Ables Nightclub started two years ago so people with a disability feel they can enjoy a night out dancing without fear. Its Vibratronic event last July drew the largest ever crowd and was such a huge success everyone wanted it back.

Ables is a free monthly event in different locations so people of all abilities can get together and have fun. Businessman Lu Ristov was keen to get behind the concept when it was launched by several locals who realised they seldom saw people with a disability out dancing at nightclubs.

The Grand Hotel hosts Ables every three months and Mr Ristov has been keen to get the Vibratronic dance floor back ever since it was such a hit last July. Many said it made the nightclub experience even better for people with a disability and their friends, carers and family.

Maria Roccon-Merritt has had little hearing since birth and said she had never enjoyed such an experience before. She was aware of the vibrating dance floor at sensory nights in Sydney. And when she heard it was coming to Wollongong wanted to give it a try. In the process she found other people she could communicate with in sign language but with dancing it was like universal language called fun. She really enjoyed seeing people of all abilities on the vibrating floor and hoped it would come back.

“When we go to a nightclub it is really hard for me because I don’t really hear the music. But the way this floor vibrates means I can feel the beat and it makes it easier to dance. I love that it can bring all people together so there is not one place for some and another place for others. With this everyone can come along together and have fun.”

Ms Roccon-Merritt would like to see more activities in the Illawarra where people of all abilities can enjoy themselves equally in one place. She wants to find ways to help more people to be aware of the disabilities that are around them so everyone of all abilities can interact more easily. She thinks all people can feel included and no one needs to feel uncomfortable. ‘’It would be great if this floor keeps coming back. I was born deaf. I can hear music but not clear enough to ever know what the name of the song is”.

Ms Roccon-Merritt has often gone close to speakers when she it out to try and gear and feel the sound more. But the vibrating dance floor has made it so much easier to dance to the music and fully enjoy a night out. “This is just magic”. She has traveled to Sydney to participate in deaf community events but wants to be involved in creating more opportunities in the Illawarra..and is open to ideas. “Deaf people love going out exploring, doing things and finding out what is happening. I really want to thank those involved in Ables for this.” Further information at http://www.ables.com.au/ or on www.facebook.com/AblesWollongong.