Disability respite unveiled in Clarkson

• Part of Government's commitment to build 5 centres across WA

• To be run by Life Without Barriers for people requiring high levels of support

A six-bed respite facility for people with disability and their carers in Perth's northern suburbs was today opened by Disability Services Minister Helen Morton.

Mrs Morton said the Miami Lane property in Clarkson was part of the State Government's $11.75million election commitment to build five respite care homes across Western Australia.

"Respite services have been identified as a priority in the long-term improvement of disability services for WA," she said.

The Minister said the facility was built according to universal design principles which offered versatile and 'home-like' living environments.

"Caring for a person with a disability can be an enormously rewarding experience," she said.

"However, due to the nature of the role, it is crucial for families who provide this care to have the opportunity to take a regular break from their responsibilities.

"Knowing their loved one is in an environment in which they can feel comfortable puts the family at ease too."

Mrs Morton said the Government's Count Me In: Disability Future Directions plan was implementing change across multiple sectors of society - including Government, private and community sectors - to shape a community inclusive of all citizens.

"At the heart of this vision is creating a fair go for everyone in our society, including people with disability," she said.

The first of the five promised respite centres opened in Broome in 2010 and the other three will be located at York, Rockingham and Gosnells.

      Fact File

• The Disability Services Commission, through the Department of Housing, procured the 1,390sqm in a new residential area development by LandCorp

• Life Without Barriers expects to offer services from the beginning of June

Minister's office - 6552 6900