Some motivational words painted on the wall. A pile of Olympic standard weights stacked in the corner.

It may not seem like much, but here is where the magic happens - where the subtle effects of a local organisation’s dream of breaking down the barriers of social exclusion and stigma associated with disability is taking shape.

“I can do anything,” says a slightly-puffed Stephanie Gunn, as she sets into her 500-metre warm-up row.

And, by the way she says it, you simply have to believe her.

Ms Gunn had been sailing earlier that morning and was getting into her weekly training session at CrossFit 2444.

Both activities she began through her involvement with ACES (Access Community Education Services) in Port Macquarie.

On paper, those feats may not seem extraordinary. But stacked-up against the difficulties often faced by those living with a disability, Stephanie’s ability to live a life she loves speaks volumes about the headway being made in the local community.

“Social inclusion can be one of the most important things for a person living with a disability,” explains ACES chief executive John Faithfull. “What we’re seeing at CrossFit 2444 goes well beyond being physically fit and capable, we’re seeing people accepted for who they are, and having more confidence as a result.”

From skipping, to swinging weighted kettle-bells, to showing each other just what they’re capable of, these everyday real-life transactions allow these individuals to feel a part of the community.

And, if the latest findings are anything to go by, it seems this may be one of the most important outcomes for those living with disability.

In 2009, a national report found the primary concern of people with disabilities was not a crisis of inadequate funding and resources.

But the “systemic and systematic” discrimination they experienced everyday.

In the view of Mr Faithfull, this is still a problem in our area, and around the nation.

“We’ve made a lot of headway, but there’s certainly a long way to go.”

The inclusiveness of places like Crossfit 2444, and the Hope Shop (which gives the disabled an opportunity to work in a cafe) were examples, however, he said: “Of positive and subtle social engineering, which allow these people to have a comfortable experience and be a part of a place with no shame or stigma.”

Mr Faithfull said these places were fulfilling the aim of reducing the exclusivity factor, and the marginalisation manifesting from differences.

Personal trainer Laura Dekker has seen the benefits exercise and functional movement has given her clients.

“The goal with the ACES group has been more about introducing them to different movements, building their confidence and showing them they’re athletes as well,” Ms Dekker explains.

Confidently her group performs the work outs. The pace may be slightly slower in some instances, the weights lighter in others. But at the end of the day, she says, the real results come from their sense of achievement.

“The biggest change for these girls, is how comfortable they’ve become in here,” she says. “They walk in confident and capable, they know exactly where to go and what to do.”

As you watch the interaction between the group, other members and Ms Dekker, it’s hard to imagine some would once have struggled stepping inside these doors.

“It’s fun to learn new stuff,” says Lisa Jones after she intricately cross-steps through a ladder on the floor.

“I love the skipping,” says Carlie Culf, who manages to complete a few backwards. “I really like it here.”

Mr Faithfull says some 72 per cent of people with disability also deal with a mental illness. In his opinion, much of this would stem from severe isolation.

Making a difference to these people’s lives in the Hastings, he said, could start with something as simple as looking beyond preconceptions.

“If, as a community, we can start seeing people in a different way, in a positive way, and if we can start accepting people for who they are - the flow-on effects will be a wonderful thing to behold."