Services Guide 2025
Josh
Jimmy
Empowering Western Australians to realise their abilities for over 70 years
A message from our CEO
Hello
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Ability WA.
What began in 1951 as a small group of passionate parents has grown into a leading disability service provider, proudly supporting over 1,600 customers and their families across the Perth metropolitan area.
At Ability WA, we specialise in complex support and early childhood intervention, placing our customers at the heart of everything we do.
Our services are designed to provide dynamic, lifelong support, empowering individuals and families to thrive in their communities.
With a vibrant team delivering services from multiple hubs and out in the community, we’re excited to partner with you and make great things happen together!
Warm regards
Jacquie Thomson Chief Executive Officer
Our commitment
We are committed to supporting people of all abilities to thrive in their community throughout their lives.
By working alongside our customers, we can achieve amazing things together. It begins with us understanding your strengths, interests and abilities.
By building on your existing skills and abilities, and knowing what interests you, we celebrate your strengths and create a positive focus as we work together to achieve your goals.
We’re committed to you
We want you to be committed to working alongside us
Our commitment to you is that:
• We will be respectful and compassionate
• We will be welcoming and professional
• We will listen to you and respond in a timely manner
• We will provide easy to understand information We will provide you with trained and qualified staff
• We will provide our services where you feel safe
• We will treat you as an individual
Your commitment to us:
• You are honest and respectful
• You are open to discussing how best to meet your needs and goals
• You are willing to tell us where we can improve and give us the opportunity to make changes
Your choice
You choose how you receive our quality, bespoke, wrap-around services.
We work with people with complex needs at any stage of their life.
That means we provide support to people who live with a disability, or multiple disabilities, that significantly impacts their physical ability, their communication ability or their cognitive and learning abilities.
Justin & Heath
Your community Your choice
You can choose the location of our direct services
Our direct, or face-to-face services, can take place:
• At one of our five hubs
• In your home
• At your school
• In your community
• In your workplace
• Via telehealth
We work together to find the right frequency and intensity
We can support you indirectly too
Some important support services can take place when you’re not with us.
The frequency and intensity of our services will depend on your goals. You may wish to have one-on-one services, or you might want to participate in services with another person or group of people. You can discuss your preferences with your key worker in your service area.
These services might include things like:
• Talking with people who support you over the phone
• Developing your program and finding resources
• Planning reviews as per the minimum NDIS requirement or, if required, more frequently
• Writing reports for you to use with the NDIS and other agencies
• Travelling to you to deliver services where you need them
Your strengths Our expertise
Therapy services
Our person-centred approach means we’ll work together to discover your strengths and deliver evidence-based services that align with your goals.
Benefit from the expertise of our multidisciplinary team and a key worker who oversees your services, and who will be your go-to contact person.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists can support you to move well and stay healthy to lead the life you want, whatever that might look like.
Occupational therapy
Ability WA occupational therapists can work alongside you to provide the support you might need to participate in meaningful activities and occupations.
Speech pathology
We believe that communication is more than sounds and words! Our speech pathologists can work with you to identify, develop and support total communication.
Positive supports
Our team of psychologists, social workers and positive behaviour support practitioners can provide personalised support to you and your support network to improve your quality of life and work towards your goals.
Assistive technology
Delivered by therapists with clinical expertise in assistive technology, we can provide specialised services in posture and mobility, complex communication, access and technology, home modifications, and sleep and positioning.
Natalie & Luke
Water-based therapy
Delivered by a team of experts at convenient community locations, our water-based therapy is designed to enhance mobility, strengthen muscles, support swimming skills, and provide pain relief. This allows you to work towards your goals in a safe and supervised environment all year round.
Social work
Our social workers can support you to navigate and access social systems, services and structures.
Exercise physiology
We can work with you to develop a personalised exercise program designed to support you to achieve your goals.
Dietetics
With our evidence-based best practices, we can provide nutrition and dietary advice to support your health and wellbeing.
Therapy assistants also available.
Essential support Lifelong outcomes
Kirstie & Samson
Early childhood intervention services
We are leaders in early childhood services. Our experienced therapists support children from infancy with an emphasis on family wellness, and the transformative power of early intervention. Funding for these services is available via Telethon and the NDIS.
In-home Baby Intervention Service
For children with disabilities, receiving effective therapy services early in life will give them the best foundations for their future.
Ability WA’s In-home Baby Intervention Service (IBIS) provides home-based therapy services to children under two years of age who are at risk of developmental delay.
Our experienced therapists work in partnership with customers and their families to support their child’s development and build on skills they will use now and into their adult lives.
IBIS is proudly supported by Telethon. AssisTkids
Ability WA’s AssisTkids Specialised Equipment Library provides a much-needed service to children living with disability to trial and loan the equipment they need, when they need it. Then, when they’re ready for their next piece of equipment, the loaned equipment is returned to the library for another child to use.
Inklings
A Telethon Kids Institute program delivered at Ability WA.
This program provides support for families of babies aged six to 18 months who are showing early differences in their social interaction and communication development.
Early Mealtime Service
Comprehensive support for children who are experiencing challenges during mealtimes.
Our Early Mealtime Service provides families with advice and practical strategies they can use to improve their confidence around mealtimes and create positive experiences for the whole family.
Chase & Tanya
Anne & Collette
Aiyla
Ability WA IBIS customer
Aiyla, born seven weeks prematurely and weighing only 1.4 kilos, faced challenges in achieving crucial developmental milestones, causing concern for her parents. Following medical consultations, Aiyla was referred to Ability WA’s In-home Baby Intervention Service (IBIS).
IBIS is available to babies considered at risk of neurodevelopmental conditions up to the age of 24 months. The innovative family centered program sees Ability WA therapists monitor a baby’s developmental progress and provide advice and strategies to support their development, wellbeing and participation within everyday routines. Ability WA occupational therapist, Stephanie, worked with Aiyla and her family to develop her fine motor skills. Aiyla is now able to hold and play with her toys.
This progress paves the way for the next step in Aiyla’s developmental journey, mastering standing and crawling. Stephanie and the Ability WA team are confident that, with the help of IBIS, Aiyla will be able to hit these and other key milestones - empowering her with the skills she will need throughout her childhood and as an adult.
Ability WA’s IBIS program has been so successful that over 50% of participants exit the program needing no further assistance.
- Gloria, Aiyla’s mum
It’s not only been good for Aiyla with her development and reaching her milestones, it’s been great for us with the support and reassurance.
Gloria, Aiyla’s Mum
Gloria & Aiyla
Feel at home Live life
Home and living services
Medium term accommodation
Experience Ability WA’s support from our single occupancy, purpose-built accommodation, suitable for 90-180 day stays.
Independent living
We can provide the support you may need to live in your own home, living your life independently.
Supported independent living (SIL)
24/7 personal support for those with higher support needs so you can live as independently as possible and develop your skills.
On-site shared support (OSS)
An on-call service that provides ad-hoc 24/7 support for added safety and confidence in your home.
Specialist disability accommodation (SDA)
Ability WA partners with leading SDA providers to provide high-quality, contemporary homes that are purpose built for your independence and lifestyle.
Are you eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation Funding?
We can help you navigate the process with our:
• SDA eligibility checker
• Tenancy matching service
• Functional capacity assessments for Specialist Disability Accommodation and NDIA lodgement
• Connections and support to help you find your home
• Support models designed in partnership with you
Clinical support by community nurses
Registered nurses are available to visit you in your home to provide disability related medical and health support such as wound care or liaising with your care providers.
From Hospital to Home
In partnership with the Department of Health, our From Hospital to Home program supports hospital patients living with disability to transition into appropriate accommodation, which is staffed by a team of nurses, therapists and residential care workers.
Amelia, Samantha & Chanelle
Marissa
Keith
Specialist disability accommodation
Keith is a former truck driver who has a passion for intrepid travel, music and motorsports. With his long grey beard and quick sparkling eyes, Keith conveys the larrikin spirit of a knock-about Aussie bloke who has lived life on his terms.
Following a life-changing stroke and extended hospital stay, Keith required a home that was wheelchair accessible. As a former truck driver and intrepid traveler, independence was critical to Keith. He wanted a home that enabled him to live alone while surrounded by the things that brought him joy, and disability support services that empowered him to realise his independence.
Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) meant Keith was able to secure a one level, one bedroom home close to a busy retail hub, where he could live alone and enjoy privacy while being able to independently access shops, entertainment and transport. When Keith required home and living services to support him in his new house, maintaining his independence was crucial. Keith wanted support that respected his independence, and catered to his way of living.
Understanding this, Keith’s NDIS coordinator recommended Ability WA’s home and living support service. As a registered NDIS provider with over 70 years’ experience, Ability WA could provide Keith with reassurance he would receive the high-quality service expected from one of Western Australia’s leading disability providers.
More importantly, Ability WA home and living services were fully customisable, as opposed to other standard services available in the market. This contemporary, bespoke approach to disability support meant Keith could work closely with Ability WA staff to determine how Ability WA could support him to realise his abilities.
Your community Your connections
Josh
Community Connect
At Ability WA, we know life is better when you are connected to the people, places and pastimes that mean the most to you.
Our community participation program, named Community Connect, is designed to help you get out there, meet people who share your passions, and experience your community on your terms.
What is Community Connect?
Suitable for customers aged 18 and over, Community Connect is designed to help you actively participate in the world around you! We work with you to find activities and experiences that match your interests and goals, helping you feel more connected, confident, and engaged within your community.
Whether you’re keen to grab a coffee, join a music group, hit the lanes for some bowling, or lend a hand in your town, we’re here to support you.
Why is community participation a game-changer?
Being part of your community is empowering! It helps you:
• Feel safe and supported in your surroundings
• Build real, lasting friendships
• Find your people and experience a true sense of belonging
• Explore new activities that could spark your next passion!
• Boost your independence by learning new skills along the way
• Benefit from highly trained team members who are experts in your clinical needs
How we make it happen
You call the shots! Together, we’ll design a plan based on what you love, who’s important in your life, and what gets you excited for the future.
Your dedicated Ability WA support workers will assist you every step of the way, helping you participate in events, join groups, or simply connect with people who share your interests. The best part? You’re in control — you decide what you want to be part of, and we’ll help you get there!
Creating an inclusive WA!
Building a welcoming and inclusive community takes all of us. At Ability WA, we’re passionate about creating a Western Australia where people living with disabilities and their families can thrive in their communities, throughout their lives.
Joe
Justine
Customised equipment for your unique needs
Naakin & Luke
Assistive technology
AbilityTECH
We understand that the right piece of assistive technology looks different for everyone. Sometimes you need more than off-the-shelf equipment.
At AbilityTECH, we specialise in complex equipment and equipment modifications for when you need a customised solution.
Seating
We specialise in making sure everyone has the opportunity to sit comfortably and move well.
Sleep
Manage sleep difficulties through standard or modified 24 hour positioning supports, or thermoregulation strategies with your therapist.
Communication
Using the latest communication mounting products, an AbilityTECH technician can mount your device in a position that is optimised for your comfort and accessibility needs.
Gaming
Explore your passion for accessible gaming engaging a range of device technologies. We use our custom manufacturing expertise to allow you access to the full spectrum of recreational gaming that connects you to your digital community.
Mobility
We can provide mobility equipment that meets your needs and lifestyle. This can also include the hire of a Wizzybug, or setting up an interim mobility base you can hire when yours isn’t available.
Wheelchair repair service
Access quality servicing and repairs for wheelchairs, commodes and all mobility bases in our Malaga workshop to ensure your equipment is safe and operating the way it should.
We can prioritise urgent repairs to get your equipment back to you sooner.
Wheelchair repairs
(08) 9267 8455 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday
Tracey
Peter
Explore your opportunities Achieve your goals
Hayley
Employment support services
Employment services
Our personalised service enables us to identify your interests, abilities and career goals. We’ll work with you to develop the skills you need to succeed then support you to find the right job for you.
Support is funded by both DES and NDIS, let us work with you to navigate the best pathway.
Plus, when you land that job, we can provide personalised support as you settle into your new workplace and career.
Supported employment
We provide supported employment at Goodwill Engineering and Ability WA’s Containers for Change refund points. In these supportive environments, you can become an expert in your job or be supported to develop employment readiness skills as you work towards your own employment goals.
Life After School
This program will help you to navigate a life after school, as we work with you to identify and develop your career skills and pathways. We can provide guidance and support to explore study options and career readiness.
Breeze & Cameron
Rachael
Ready to realise your abilities?
Luke
Liam
Gayani
Celestine & Lana
Jacinta