Steve Dresler

Founder, What Ability and the What Ability Foundation

2023 NSW Young Australian of the Year Nominee

Steve Dresler was a 20-year-old working as a support worker on weekends in 2019 when he set up an Instagram account, What Ability, showcasing photos of awesome days out. Within two years, the organisation had over 150 support workers and more than 100 participants.

What Ability supports people living with autism, down syndrome and other disabilities to get out and have fun in the community. Support workers take participants bushwalking, swimming, to parks and restaurants to gain confidence and learn life skills.

Steve wants to share his vision for an inclusive Australia and engages current and retired athletes to get involved as support workers. He purposefully employs young people, too, so they see the disability sector as a worthwhile profession.

He also started the What Ability Foundation in late 2021 to unlock ticketed experiences for people with a disability and their families. His goal is to provide 1 million experiences across Australia by 2026.