Hawthorn has announced a partnership with leading disability service provider Afford.

The partnership encourages inclusivity, healthy lifestyles and opportunity for people living with disability across Victoria.

Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability) is a not-for-profit disability service organisation that provides whole-of-life disability supports for people across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland under the NDIS.

Afford supports individuals to find meaningful work, take part in activities they enjoy, live independently with support, and provides choice for individuals to shape their own lives and live life on their terms.

Around 4.3 million Australians live with disability and almost one third of these people have a  profound or severe disability. In Victoria, 18 per cent of people live with disability.

Afford CEO, Steven Herald, says that the partnership between Afford and Hawthorn will stimulate conversation around disability supports.

"Afford's partnership with Hawthorn encourages discussion about creating inclusive communities, where people of all abilities can participate in sport and enjoy fulfilling and meaningful lives with support," Mr Herald explained.

"AFL is a much-loved game for Melbournians and we are pleased to have formed this relationship with Hawthorn, and to take our message of inclusivity and supporting people with disability to the thousands of AFL fans."

"Most of all, this partnership is about exposing our clients to new life experiences, providing enjoyment, and celebrating individual ability."

Along with opportunities for Afford participants to meet their sporting idols, Afford will also support Hawthorn’s disability league and provide guidance for players and the wider community about positively transitioning to the NDIS.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in NSW for 65 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day.

For more information about Afford, visit www.afford.com.au