Identitywa’s support can be life-changing for families
Juliet enjoying the Identitywa Children’s House sensory room. Photo: Supplied.
For more than 40 years, Archdiocesan disability support agency, Identitywa, has assisted people with disability and their families throughout the Perth metropolitan area.
Funding provided by the Western Australian State Government, since mid-2014 and individualised funding through the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS), has enabled families to access Identitywa’s supports.
Since the Commonwealth and WA Government initiated the NDIS, thousands of people have been helped to access the support they need to reach their goals.
Ms Wendy Cox, the area manager for the northern region of the Perth Metropolitan for Identiywa, said that funding provided by the WA State Government and since mid-2014, individualised funding through the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS), has enabled families to access Identitywa’s support.
Since the Commonwealth and West Australian Government initiated the NDIS, thousands more individuals have been helped to access the support they need to reach their goals.
“People can access funding for all our services including for their family member to have a short break in one of our Children’s and Adult houses,” said Ms Cox.
Identitywa support worker pictured with Olivia at the Riverton Children’s House. Photo: Supplied.
Ms Cox said Identitywa has been offering respite to families for a number of years.
“This service offers families an alternative option to relying on neighbours or family to care for their family member.”
House Senior, Rowena Babinall, shared recent feedback from a mother who said being able to access the services at the Adult house has “saved her family”.
“His mother said that him being able to stay just two nights every few weeks, is really making a positive impact on their family life,” Mrs Babinall explained.
“We get a lot of encouraging feedback about how the chance for families to have a break makes a big difference to their quality of life and the benefits often expand beyond the family,” said Mrs Babinall.
“Experiencing independence while staying at the house and engaging with others builds an individual’s confidence, and can be a really enjoyable time for them,” said Mrs Babinall.
Team leader, Kathy Naughton, House Senior, Rowena Babinall, and Area Manager, Wendy Cox pictured in the Children’s House. Photo: Olivia Bunter.
Team Leader, Kathy Naughton, is responsible for Identitywa’s Adult and Children’s houses located in the northern suburbs. She said the success of delivering positive experiences and outcomes for the individuals is as a result of, not only creating an environment which is happy and safe, but engaging highly trained staff who share the agency’s mission and values.
“The dedication of our team is just outstanding,” said Mrs Naughton. “They have a real commitment to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
Ms Cox said Identitywa has recently produced a short film of a young man who has been accessing support from Identitywa for over 11 years and has recently moved into an Identitywa shared living house.
“We are delighted to share Bailey’s story which is a true testament to how the right mix of supports can achieve someone’s goal of independence and a happy life,” said Ms Cox.
To view Bailey’s story Click Here.
Identitywa currently has funding available to provide short breaks (respite) at our Children’s and Adult houses located in the northern suburbs. Find out more by calling 9474 3303 or email admin@identitywa.com.au
For more information about Identitywa, visit www.identitywa.com.au