Westhaven takes disability housing to Orange to improve quality of life
Disability service provider Westhaven has started the construction of “innovative”, architect-designed NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in the Orange region.
“The new homes will provide the next level of innovative and engaging housing for people with a disability in the Orange community and across regional NSW,” said Westhaven CEO Andrew Everett.
Westhaven currently provides support to people with a disability in more than 90 existing homes in and around Orange, Dubbo and Broken Hill.
“SDA property delivers more options for improved livability to those who live with disability, and will allow greater independence for people to live while being supported in their own homes,” said a Westhaven spokesperson.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an NDIS support that can be provided in a shared home or single living environment.
Each person in accommodation received a range of services specific to their individual needs that may include personal care and assistance with daily living, medication, health or medical appointments; support to access leisure and recreational opportunities; cooking and preparing meals; skills development inside and outside the home; and positive behaviour supports.
Westhaven has been working with adults, children and young people for more than 60 years.
In the early 1950’s a medical practitioner and a group of Dubbo families saw the need in the Central West for a suitable place of learning for children with intellectual disabilities.
The non for profit’s official history stated: “From these ideas of providing a place of education for children, grew a hostel for accommodation and a sheltered workshop for employment and goal-driven skills development as each individual grew into adulthood.”
The company offers a range of NDIS services including Supported Independent Living facilities, Short Term Accommodation (Respite), in-home support, community participation, skill development and supported employment.
The Central Western Daily/Daily Liberal – Peter Holmes
14 January 2021