Premier opens two new independent training units for the disabled located at Florence Hummerston Hostel in Shenton Park

29/5/98

Premier Richard Court today encouraged the community to give more attention to the abilities of disabled people rather than dwell on their disability.

Opening two new independent training units which have been built by Westcare to help disabled people develop independent living skills, Mr Court said it was important that people see the person - not the problem.

He said the new training units were positive examples of the work underway to help disabled people who wanted to live independently.

Westcare Incorporated, previously known as the Tuberculosis and Chest Association of Western Australia, provides accommodation, respite, independent living skills, training and employment services to people with disabilities.

The new facilities are located at Florence Hummerston Hostel in Shenton Park and are additional to two units which have been in operation for 13 years.

Under the scheme implemented by Westcare semi-independent people are able to improve their skills to live in the community by receiving training in budgeting, cleaning, cooking, hygiene, safety, community awareness and assertiveness while living in the training units at Shenton Park.

After completing the training each person is assisted to locate suitable accommodation, possibly with an advocate.

"With the support and guidance from Westcare, there have been many people with disabilities who have benefitted from the training program and have been able to move from institutional living to supported accommodation in the community," the Premier said.

The Disability Services Commission funded the construction of the two new units and Westcare will provide ongoing staff support to the facilities.

Mr Court said the State Government was pleased to be associated with Westcare in its valuable work for people with disabilities.

"The Disability Services Commission provides annual funding to enable Westcare to provide accommodation and independent living training services to approximately 45 people in the metropolitan area," the Premier said.

"It is part of a major partnership between the Government and in an area which we have made top priority since we came to Government and in which Western Australia is now acknowledged as the national leader."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475