Opening of home run by Nulsen Haven Association for women with intellectual disabilities

20/10/99
A new life of greater independence, opportunity and choice has begun for four young women with intellectual disabilities, through a move to a new home in the community.
The four are part of a Disability Services Commission program to improve the quality of life for 24 people with significant intellectual disabilities who have moved from older-style hostels to six smaller, custom-built homes in the community, run by the Nulsen Haven Association.
The State Government is providing $2.3 million a year to fund this program through services provided by the closure of hostel services.
Speaking at the opening of the women's new home in Hertford Street, East Victoria Park, Disability Services Minister Paul Omodei said that the life skills of people with disabilities were often enhanced when they lived in smaller community-based options.
"The move has allowed these four young women to become part of their local community and opened up a world of possibilities for them," he said.
"They have learned new skills and have become involved in many of the household chores such as cooking, cleaning and shopping, activities they had little opportunity to participate in previously.
"They have had a say in how the home has been decorated and were able to choose colours and furnishings for their bedrooms, something all young women like to do, but which is not always possible in hostel accommodation.
"Even through these small everyday tasks, it is clear that their quality of life has improved immeasurably."
Mr Omodei said the program also increased the level of accommodation services provided by the non-Government sector.
"The Nulsen Haven Association has a long and distinguished history of providing services to people with profound disabilities and was well placed to expand its operations and increase its client base through this initiative," he said.
Nulsen Haven director Gordon Trewern said the program was an excellent example of Government and non-Government agencies working together to achieve a good outcome for people with disabilities.
"This partnership has allowed us to increase the number of people to whom we can provide services to 65 residents in 19 group homes throughout the southern metropolitan region," he said.
"We are looking forward to providing wonderful new opportunities to our new residents and are confident that they will continue to benefit in a personalised and homely environment."
Mr Trewern said that congratulations were due also to the Ministry of Housing, which provided the six homes, architect Michael Nolan who designed them, and the Lotteries Commission, which provided funds to help equip the home.
Media contact: Hugh Ryan 9213 6700