Riding for the Disabled Association of Qld Inc (Currumbin Valley) is a sports club located in the Gold Coast region of Queensland, Australia. Established in 1988, it serves as the peak body for Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Centres in Queensland, providing leadership, professional development, resources, accreditation guidance, and administrative support.
RDAQ's member centres are all registered not-for-profit organisations, ranging from small remote centres to large multiservice organisations in urban areas. The primary objective of RDAQ is to enrich the lives of children and adults living with disabilities throughout Queensland by offering equine-assisted programmes.
The mission of RDAQ is to enable individuals with disabilities, as well as volunteers, to experience enjoyment, challenges, and achievement through participation in sporting, recreational, and therapeutic equestrian activities. These activities are designed to improve participants' quality of life, help them achieve personal goals, and develop essential life skills.
RDAQ values empowerment, inclusiveness, respect for diversity, ongoing improvement, accountability, and quality services. They recognise disability as any condition that restricts a person's mental, sensory, or mobility functions, whether temporary or permanent, total or partial, lifelong or acquired, visible or invisible.
The member centres of RDAQ are spread throughout Queensland and are regularly assessed to ensure that they meet strict accreditation and safety requirements. These centres offer unique equine-assisted services that aim to build self-esteem, confidence, skills, and joy in individuals with disabilities starting from three years old.
The demand for safe equine-assisted programmes is growing, as more people become aware of the benefits offered through spending time with horses in a safe and supportive environment. RDAQ, along with its member centres, strives to meet this demand and provide valuable services to the community.
For those interested in getting involved, RDAQ offers opportunities for volunteering, donating, and sponsoring their work. Their goal is to continue making dreams come true and providing assistance to individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals.