What Ability Foundation logo

Our vision, purpose & mission

What Ability Foundation was founded by aspiring NRL player Steve Dresler to fund and facilitate experiences for people living with a disability and their families across Australia.

A young What Ability participant meeting a Formula 1 driver trackside
Our Story

Why What Ability Foundation exists.

What Ability Foundation was established by aspiring NRL player Steve Dresler to fund and facilitate experiences for people living with a disability and their families across Australia.

We exist to ease the financial pressure on families accessing their community. Often parents are unable to work, and pressure on household budgets means many families can't afford the community events and activities others take for granted.

That's why we partner with experience providers right across the country — unlocking free tickets to the zoo, the local arcade, theme parks and major sporting events — so a disability never decides who gets to feel included.

  • 2021founded
  • 28,489experiences unlocked
  • 100%free for families
V

Vision

To create an inclusive world.

P

Purpose

To bring happiness to people living with a disability and their families.

M

Mission

To unlock 1,000,000 experiences for people with disabilities and their families.

I

Impact

28,489 experiences unlocked since 2021.

Our Team

The people behind the Foundation.

Ian Harvey

Ian Harvey

National Foundation Manager ian@whatabilityfoundation.org.au
Wendy Norton

Wendy Norton

Manager, Strategic Marketing & Partnerships wendy@whatabilityfoundation.org.au
Jack McCutcheon

Jack McCutcheon

Foundation Advocate
Our Board

Guiding the Foundation's direction.

Steve Dresler

Steve Dresler

Founder What Ability & What Ability Foundation
Read bio

A former professional rugby league player, Steve's career changed following medical retirement, inspiring him to create an organisation dedicated to putting happiness first for people living with disability. Having previously worked supporting children on the autism spectrum, he combines lived frontline experience with bold entrepreneurial thinking. Steve continues to lead the Foundation's vision of creating a more inclusive Australia by unlocking one million experiences for people with disability and their families.

Jared Chapman

Jared Chapman

Chief Executive Officer What Ability
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With extensive experience in digital growth, sales leadership and business strategy, Jared has helped scale high-growth organisations including TheFork and Menulog before joining What Ability as Chief Executive Officer. Today, he leads the organisation's national expansion while fostering a culture centred on people, purpose and inclusion. His commercial expertise and passion for building high-performing teams help the Foundation expand its impact and unlock more experiences for people living with disability.

Brett Kubik

Brett Kubik

General Manager, Strategic Partnerships Funlab
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With extensive experience in strategic partnerships and customer experience, Brett has built a career creating meaningful connections between brands and communities. In his leadership role at Funlab, he has championed initiatives that make entertainment more accessible, including a longstanding partnership with What Ability Foundation. His commercial expertise and collaborative approach help the Foundation strengthen partnerships, expand its impact and unlock more experiences for people living with disability and their families.

Brittany Grant

Brittany Grant

General Manager Shaw and Partners
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With more than eight years at Shaw and Partners Financial Services, Brittany has built extensive experience in strategic leadership, corporate partnerships and brand development. As General Manager and a member of the Executive Team, she works closely with the CEO to drive business growth and strategic initiatives. Her commercial expertise and commitment to philanthropy help the Foundation grow partnerships and create more opportunities for people living with disability.

Our Advisory Board

Local leaders behind our experiences.

Volunteer leaders in each state who lend their time, networks and know-how — opening doors with venues and partners so more families can access experiences close to home. Tap a name to say hello on LinkedIn.

New South Wales

Victoria

Western Australia

Queensland

Coming soon: South Australia and ACT

Cover of the What Ability Foundation FY26 Snapshot Impact Report
FY26 Snapshot Report

See the year in numbers.

Explore our FY26 Snapshot Report to see the impact, milestones, and progress made over the past year.

Download the report (PDF)

Since launching in 2021, we've unlocked 28,489 experiences.

For people with disabilities and their families, right across Australia.

28,489Experiences unlocked
2021Year founded
Member Feedback

What our members say.

4.72 average — 'Overall Satisfaction with What Ability Foundation'

"We are so grateful to the What Ability Foundation. Thanks to their support, our family has gained greater independence, tried new things, and built meaningful social connections. By removing the financial barriers that often hold us back, they've opened up a whole new world of opportunities for us."

— Danielle B

"Thank you so much! Having this option has been so amazing for my children. I have been able to take them to places I probably wouldn't have been able to do otherwise."

— Lucinda C

"Thanks to What Ability Foundation, we have been able to go out as a family and engage in activities that we wouldn't normally do. Having the ability to do the experiences for free has meant there is less pressure for us to complete the full experiences if our child becomes dysregulated. We are very grateful, thank you for the opportunities What Ability Foundation!"

— Katie D

"I just thought I would say thank you for the game cards I get through What Ability. About once a month I usually go to the entertainment quarter for some fun. It is great that my support worker gets to play as well! I've also used your Strike vouchers as well."

— Richard

"Thanks again for another wonderful opportunity to access one of your unique fun-filled experiences! It wasn't long until I felt I was right back in childhood, with arcade games and classics I hadn't even thought of in years. The darkness of depression was lit up by an abundance of bright lights and sounds, the pain and sadness replaced with laughter and games. These little moments and experiences make a HUGE difference bigger picture."

— Lisa
Our Promise

100% of all personal donations go to the cause.

How will we deliver on this? Since launching, we've maintained two separate bank accounts: one for operational costs and one exclusively for funding experiences. Day-to-day operations are funded through corporate sponsorships and grants, so every personal donation goes directly to tickets and experiences.

How It Works

We unlock free experiences.
Here's how.

1

Register once

Submit a quick application to join our community. We'll ask for a few details to confirm eligibility.

2

Get approved

Our team will review your application and send you a welcome email once you're approved.

3

Receive experiences

Once approved, you'll receive a monthly email with all the experiences on for the month ahead.

4

Pick your experience

Each month, we'll email available experiences in your area. Simply click to request one.

5

Enjoy the experience

Enjoy a community experience with your family.

Join the Foundation