Being in a wheelchair has not stopped the outer eastern suburbs resident from embracing the world around her.

With the help of support agency Scope, located in Wantirna, Ms Clough regularly visits Knox LeisureWorks in Boronia, performing leg exercises and doing weights. "I love the gym. It keeps me fit."

However, going to the gym is not just about stretches and sweat.

Scope, whose eastern regional office is based in Knox, provides a helping hand in allowing people such as Ms Clough to enjoy the aspects of day-to-day life that some may take for granted.

Neva Zenz, who is the Knox Lifestyles Options co-ordinator at Scope, said the most important aspect for participants was to maintain their independence.

While carers played an important role, Ms Zenz said having that independence could increase self-esteem.

Ms Clough is a good example - the Boronia resident recently returned from a trip to Thailand.

"For her to travel overseas, she's got to be able to keep up her strength," Ms Zenz said. "The fitter she is, the more able she is to be independent and enjoy herself."

Ms Zenz said the gym program was just one way people could see first hand that people with a disability were just as capable of achieving as the rest of the community.

It also gave those involved with the program a chance to make friends. "Social connection is the most important thing."

It is this support that makes it easy to see why Ms Clough loves spending time with friends at Scope. "We all have a lot of fun," she said.