A four-bedroom holiday house was opened in Bunbury today by the Minister for Disability Services Simon O’Brien on behalf of the Premier.
The house is to be run by the charitable organisation Baptistcare and has been adapted to suit the needs of disabled tenants.
“A Lotterywest grant of more than $27,000 was used to pay for furniture and fittings, chosen to suit people with disabilities,” Mr O’Brien said.
The Minister offered the project as an example of how communities could benefit from the State Government’s “Disability Future Directions” policy. “Priorities of the new strategy include more accessible homes and full participation for people with disabilities, including recreation,” he said. “People with disabilities using the house can bring their own support worker, or the charity, Baptistcare, can engage one for them.”
Baptistcare Executive Manager, Community Services, Rob Douglas said that extending Baptistcare’s services to regional areas of WA is a priority. “Through our work with people with disabilities in the south west we have become aware of the need for additional services that will assist these people in having a better quality of life. This house is a good start in achieving that goal.”
“It is also a great opportunity to provide a service to people from other parts of WA who are looking for a break away from home with the availability of support services”, Mr Douglas said.
People using the house will be able to book the house in advance, just like booking a holiday house, and take their own carer for the duration. They may also hire Baptistcare staff on a fee for service basis if it is required.