Opening of complex in Wilson designed for people with disabilities

10/12/97

In an Australian first, state-of-the-art technology is helping a group of Western Australians with multiple sclerosis to have a second chance at an independent life.

Disability Services Minister Paul Omodei said the technology was a key element in new purpose-built accommodation, the Fern River complex in Wilson, designed for people with disabilities with complex physical and medical needs.

Opening the new complex today, Mr Omodei said Fern River provided much-needed alternative accommodation for seven young people with multiple sclerosis, currently living at Mount Henry Hospital.

The Minister said the complex would not only provide them with a homely environment but the Western Australian-designed and manufactured technology would also allow them to make choices and regain a degree of independence.

"The new residents have been consulted throughout the planning process and have had the opportunity to make choices on issues like the decor and the environmental control system," he said.

"This system has been tailored to meet the needs of each resident, with touch-pads designed to respond to their individual levels of mobility, allowing them to control aspects such as heating and cooling, switching on lights and electrical appliances, even opening the front door.

"The units, built by Homeswest, are big enough to accommodate a family member or friend and this new-found independence will have a profound impact on the quality of life for the residents."

Mr Omodei said the Fern River project demonstrated the State Government s commitment to move young people with disabilities, currently living in nursing homes, back into the community.

"Until recently, people with conditions like multiple sclerosis have had no option but to enter nursing homes, which are geared to the needs of the elderly, when they required more specialised care than their family and friends were able to give," he said.

"Under a $6 million program run by the Disability Services Commission, a total of 95 young people are being moved out of nursing homes and into individual or small group accommodation options over five years.

"Under the program, Homeswest will provide purpose-built accommodation worth almost $5 million to house 60 people with disabilities over three years."

He said providing the specialised accommodation required extensive cross-government co-operation and effort, and significant input from some of WA's leading technology-based companies.

"Fern River has been made possible through a partnership between the Disability Services Commission, Homeswest, the Health Department of WA, Royal Perth Hospital and the Lotteries Commission, and will be managed by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA.

"The residents will be supported by a team of nurses, physiotherapists and other carers to provide a holistic approach to care management which meets the needs of the individuals."

Mr Omodei paid tribute to the commitment of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, which had initiated the Fern River project.

"The society s clear vision to provide a better future for people with multiple sclerosis and its dedication to the task has been the driving force behind this project," he said.

"Fern River will give the residents the opportunity to pick up the threads of their lives that have been badly disrupted by multiple sclerosis, and provide them with hope for a better future."

Media contact: Hugh Ryan (08) 9366 0200