co-able

co-able is an innovative and fully accessible health and wellness destination, and co-working space located in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Established by founder Shane Hryhorec, a passionate advocate for people living with disabilities and a wheelchair user himself, co-able was conceived to address the significant gap in truly inclusive environments for both individuals with disabilities and the allied health professionals who support them. The entity operates as a hub, fostering collaboration among disability service providers, employment services, and wellness facilities, all within a uniquely designed, barrier-free setting.

At its core, co-able aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing a supportive network that is easily accessible and comprehensive in its offerings. The facility integrates various services, including accessible coworking spaces for sole traders and small businesses, dedicated rooms for allied health professionals such as massage therapists and dieticians, and an inclusive gym, co-able Fitness. This holistic approach ensures that physical, personal, and professional goals can be pursued within a single, welcoming environment, redefining accessibility and inclusivity in coworking and wellness spaces across Australia.

What sets co-able apart is its meticulous design, where every element prioritises accessibility. From large, high-weight capacity lifts and braille on signage to fully accessible bathrooms and kitchens with lowered benches and wheelchair clearances, the entire space is crafted to accommodate varying levels of ability. The communal café area, known as 'The Noshery', and modern boardrooms are also designed with inclusivity in mind, encouraging networking and collaboration among tenants. This commitment to an unparalleled accessible fit-out sets a new benchmark for inclusive environments.

Since its inception as a pilot project in Port Adelaide, co-able has been met with success, demonstrating the critical need for such a facility. The hub currently houses a diverse community of tenants, including NDIS support coordinators like In Sync SA and leading disability equipment suppliers such as Push Mobility. This collaborative ecosystem enables a synergistic environment where providers can work together to enhance the independence and healthcare of people with disabilities. The success in Adelaide has also spurred plans for future expansion of the co-able model into other Australian states, aiming to replicate its unique blend of services and accessibility nationwide.

Shane Hryhorec's personal experience and vision are central to co-able's mission, stemming from his own challenges in finding truly inclusive spaces. His dedication extends beyond co-able, as he also founded Push Mobility and Confession, an accessible pop-up bar, further solidifying his commitment to transforming Port Adelaide into a hub of accessibility. This leadership ensures that co-able continues to adapt and evolve to the needs of its users, consistently championing a more equitable future for Australians with disabilities.