You can choose Ability WA as your charity, register today:
Have you ever considered leaving a bequest in your Will? You can be a part of paving a future for the next generation of people living with disability.
Everyone should have an up-to-date Will to ensure your wishes are carried out. Some of our donors have chosen this as a way to pay it forward and give others a chance of independence and joy in their lives.
If you have any questions about leaving a bequest, or if you’d like to let us know you’ve left one, you are welcome to contact us today.
A Christmas story of independence and joy:
Bill’s journey
Over $34,000 was raised to provide life-changing assistive technology to people like Bill, enabling them to live the joyful, connected lives they deserve.
Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, Bill defied the odds and lives a full life despite being told he wouldn’t survive past his second birthday. His body may have limited movement, but his adventurous spirit and sharp mind shine through when he is gaming, connecting with friends and exploring new virtual worlds. All this is made possible through assistive technology.
Thank you to all our generous donors!
How pain can be communicated
One of our clinical lead physios, Liam Carter, is involved in a research project to further develop new tools to measure pain in children and adults.
This is so important for people living with disability, especially if they cannot communicate the type of pain they are experiencing. The research will lead to better treatment plans and recovery outcomes for many of our customers for which pain can be an ever present aspect of their lives.
The project is based out of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne and looks at methods to characterise the underlying mechanisms of pain, investigating tools currently used and how these can be built on and applied in clinical practice for precision medicine pain management.
The next steps following this research will be to flow into an in-person study for people with Cerebral Palsy and adjust the tools for maximum effectiveness. Well done Liam, we are excited to see how your research project changes lives.
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Liam Clinical Lead
Marissa’s story: A home of her own
Marissa is a social butterfly. She loves catching up with friends, watching the Dockers play, and even enjoying a cheeky drink now and then!
She adores her young nephew, treasures time with her sister, and embraces life with infectious enthusiasm.
But Marissa’s journey to independence hasn’t been easy.
Born prematurely at just 29 weeks, she needed round-the-clock care as an infant. She lives with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, a severe form of Cerebral Palsy that affects all her limbs, torso, and even her face. On top of that, scoliosis causes her chronic pain that Ability WA staff support her through.
Thanks to years of therapy, Marissa can now talk, and she uses her voice to brighten the day of everyone she meets. She even affectionately calls her support workers “aunties” and “darlings” — a testament to the affection and care they share.
Embracing independence
Five years ago, Marissa made the big move out of her family home. Now, at 37, she’s thriving in a shared home with three young women who have become much more than housemates — they’re best friends. One of them, Chanelle, says, “We’re like sisters.”
Their bond is especially evident in how they support one another, including their housemate Sam, who is non-verbal. Over time, they’ve learnt to understand Sam’s needs, helping her communicate and finding ways to lift her spirits when she’s feeling down. Sam is deeply cherished, and the care and connection they share have turned their house into a true home.
Marissa’s mum, Christine, says the move has been life-changing for the whole family:
“Knowing my girl is safe and happy means everything. She’s 37 now, and we think about her future. We want her spending time with friends, living her life. She’s still there for family events, but the rest of the time, she’s just doing what other young people do.”
Whether she’s out in the community, enjoying a weekend outing with her carer, or fundraising for causes close to her heart, Marissa lives life with joy and determination. She never complains about her wheelchair — because with the right support and accessible spaces, she doesn’t feel limited by it.
Your support makes independence possible
Marissa’s life and that of her housemates is a reminder of what’s possible when people living with disabilities have access to the care, support, and safe, accessible housing they deserve.
Your generous donation can help more people live independently, build meaningful friendships, and enjoy the freedom to live life on their own terms — while giving parents peace of mind.
Craig is paying it forward
Ability WA customer Craig is changing lives by bravely sharing his story. He hopes his experience can steer young people towards a better future.
At 33, Craig lives independently — a hard-won victory after years of recovery. His life changed forever at 22 when he suffered a series of strokes, including one massive stroke that left him with a brain injury and severe physical impairments.
A life-changing stroke
Craig experimented with drugs while grieving the sudden loss of his mother, who died young from a heart condition. What he didn’t know was that he had inherited the same condition, and the strain of his lifestyle pushed his body to its limit.
The stroke stole his independence. He spent three months in a wheelchair, unsure if he’d ever walk again. He lost the ability to count to ten, struggled to speak, and faced the constant risk of choking while eating.
Yet Craig calls his stroke “a blessing in disguise.” It was a painful reset — but a chance to rebuild.
With relentless determination and the support of his Ability WA therapy team, Craig regained his mobility, strengthened his speech, and learnt to live independently again.
He also made the tough decision to cut ties with old friends, saying, “I really care for them… but the temptation to do drugs is too strong. I learnt the lesson the hard way.”
Advocating for young people
Today, Craig uses his story as a powerful warning. He is a frequent speaker at schools and hospitals, telling every group he speaks to: “If this has put one of you off taking drugs, I’ve done my job.”
Thank you, Craig, for your resilience, your honesty, and for paying it forward.
