A trial program at Riverslide Skate Park is giving children with disability the chance to experience skateboarding, many for the first time.
Seven-year-old Lloyd, who lives with a rare genetic condition and uses a wheelchair, recently took part in the initiative, which uses a custom-built adaptive frame to support skaters with mobility and intellectual challenges.
The frame, designed by Albury-based skateboarder and coach Al Taylor, allows children to safely stand and move on a skateboard with the assistance of trained instructors. For Lloyd, who is non-verbal and non-mobile, the experience marked a rare opportunity to participate independently.
His mother, Maya, said the difference was immediate.
"Lloyd usually is just there while others skate. This was different, he was skating. He had the wind on his face, his favourite song playing, and for that moment, he was like any other child in the park," she said.
Maya said she had spent years navigating services that were labelled as inclusive, but often left children like Lloyd watching rather than joining in.
It was accessible. He didn’t need me to push him around or hold the equipment for him. He did it himself. That matters more than people realise.
The session was led by Brett Royden, who said the approach was about putting the individual first.
"In skateboarding, progress comes in small, personal wins. We work directly with each skater to find what success looks like for them," he said.
The frame was donated to YMCA Victoria by Al Taylor, who established a not-for-profit called Drop In and Take Off after opening a skate park in Albury.
Al, a former accountant, said his motivation came from wanting more people to benefit from skateboarding's community and mental health benefits.
"We saw a gap. So we built something to fill it. And now, we just want more kids to have the chance to use it," he said.
Matthew Brett, the Y Action Sports team, and Skateboarding Victoria are working to expand the program to other locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with further funding and partnership discussions underway.
For Maya, the outcome was clear.
"I walked away with a signed skateboard and a big smile on my face. But the biggest smile belonged to Lloyd. He knew it was his day. And that feeling stays with us."
