Yesterday marked the opening of a Charlestown office for disability services provider Ability Options.
Officially opened by Minister for Disability Services, John Ajaka, along with Ability Options' CEO Fred Van Steel, Ability Options is one of only two service providers of DisabilityCare Australia in the early stages of the Hunter trial.
Fred Van Steel said that at Ability Options they take the time to explain DisabilityCare and how individual funding can work to give people the outcomes they desire.
“Our experienced and dedicated team can demonstrate how we can partner with a person with a disability to create a flexible solution that is controlled by them and will work for them,” Fred said.
“Our philosophy is to put our clients at the centre of decision making, and allow them maximum choice and control around the services they require and how they are delivered.”
Ability Options has been providing services to the local area for five years and across other parts of NSW since 1976.
The Minister for Disability Services, John Ajaka, said that he was delighted to cut the ribbon and officially open the doors.
“In my six weeks in this role it is my first ribbon cutting,” he said. “This new office will enable Ability Options to better support people with disability in the Hunter through its innovative employment, training, recreation, accommodation and living skills programs.
“As a registered provider for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Ability Options will expand its operations in the Hunter, which is a test site for the scheme. The NDIS will give every Australian living with a disability, their families and carers peace of mind knowing they will receive the support and care they need to live a full and valued life.”
Ability Options is also an allied health provider under the Medicare Better Access initiative, offering free access to psychologists, counsellors and life planning sessions. In addition, this year Ability Options have partnered with Compass Housing to begin supporting 20 people with disabilities in the Central Coast and Newcastle regions as part of the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund (SAIF) project.