Three new comprehensive hubs opening across Perth.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, Lotterywest and dedicated community partners, we are delighted to announce the opening of three new Ability WA hubs!
These state-of-the-art facilities, located in Murdoch, Wanneroo, and Yanchep, are here to make accessing services even easier for WA’s disability community.
Each hub has been designed to offer a wide range of services under one roof, making it simpler for our customers to attend all their appointments in one convenient location. This holistic approach ensure that everyone recieves continuous care throughout every stage of life.
Our North Hubs, nestled within the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Health Centres have the added bonus of a huge range of complimentary medical specialists and allied health providers right next door. We’re also excited about the potential to collaborate with ECU students, advancing research and enhancing our services.
The South Hub is just as impressive, featuring a full suite of disability support services including an interactive kitchen that simulates a home space for life skills development, a wet zone for creative activities and an accessible gym.
These new comprehensive service hubs cater to every health and wellbeing need, and are designed to make life easier, more connected, and more empowering for everyone.
All the stories you’ve read about today are made possible by generous donations. If you would like to offer your support, please scan the QR code above. We can’t do what we do, without generous people like you by our side.
Jacquie Thomson, CEO,
Ability WA
“I hope you know the impact you have. You are changing everything for families like us, changing our whole lives. I can’t thank you enough!” Renee
A Therapist’s Perspective:
With Anna, an Ability WA Physiotherapist.
“Everything we do is about empowering families to support their child in achieving their goals. Your support lets families, who are so often reluctant to ask for help, know they’re not in this alone.
Honouring Elliot
It is with a heavy heart that I recently shared the passing of Elliot. A kind and soulful little boy who brightened the lives of everyone he met.
Elliot, who lived with complex disabilities after contracting bacterial meningitis at just 5 months old, was a beloved member of our Ability WA family for the last five years. We are deeply grateful to his mum, Renee, and little sister, Millie, for allowing us to continue sharing Elliot’s story in our winter fundraising appeal, honoring his generous spirit.
“Elliot would be so proud and love that he is now able to help others.” shared Renee.
Thanks to the kindness of our donors, $78,484 has been raised to provide life-changing equipment and support to more local families just like Elliot’s. Elliot’s legacy lives on through the generous support of caring people like you in our local community.
THANK YOU!
Before Elliot’s passing he’d just begun communicating through switch toys from our AssisTkids Specialised Equipment Library.
We set up Elliot’s switches for exercise or to watch TV. He was very excited to watch TV, pushing the switch over and over. It was a huge step forward in Elliot’s communication and a beautiful moment of connection between him and mum, Renee.
It’s so exciting when families see what is possible. It’s my favourite part of the job because every person’s challenges are unique. The AssisTkids Specialised Equipment Library means we can test and find the right solution for each person - then make it accessible!
It gives us the opportunity to say - it’s OK, we can helpeven if you don’t have funding. It’s caring people like you who are making that possible and it opens up a whole new world to families just like Elliot’s”
If you were planning on donating but have not yet had the chance – it’s not too late. Simply scan the QR code here or visit abilitywa.com.au/donate
The new South Hub located at Murdoch Square.
Together every step of the way.
You may already know about our early intervention programs that give children the best start in life. But did you know that with your help, Ability WA supports our customers through every stage of their lives?
Because life’s journey is full of challenges, and we’re here for our customers every step of the way. Our services grow with people, adapting to their needs and helping them achieve their dreams. Whether it’s providing the right therapy, technology, or employment support, having the right assistance makes anything possible.
For instance, our From Hospital to Home program is there during some of life’s most critical moments. We understand how overwhelming the transition from hospital to home can be, so we make sure our customers have the care and support they need to regain their strength and confidence. By coordinating support during discharge, providing essential therapies, and reengaging with community supports, we help make this transition as smooth and reassuring as possible.
And then there is our Ability TECH team, who through cutting-edge technology, help people to unlock new possibilities. From customised seating and equipment modifications that allow everyone the opportunity to sit comfortably and move well, through to accessible gaming engaging a range of device technologies connecting people in their digital community.
When it comes to employment, we don’t just help people find meaningful work; we help them build a future. Our Employment Services specialists work tirelessly to match each person’s unique skills and passions with the right opportunities. Through interview preparation, on-the-job training, and ongoing support, we assist every step of the way to ensure our customers thrive.
Everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and it’s wonderful people like you - who give so generously - that make it happen for so many families, at every stage of life.
Generous gifts help to support 150 customers in open employment
Did You Know?
Ability WA owns and operates two social enterprises, Goodwill Engineering and Containers for Change. Between them they employ 90 people with disability in warehouse, logistics, administration, customer service and a variety of other roles.
How Samuel became a swim star.
Meet Samuel. He’s five years old and he wants to know how everything works. He loves cars, trains and computers.
Samuel also loves swimming. His mum Michelle says he is a “complete water baby who spends most of his time in the pool under water.”
That wasn’t always the case. Samuel has the rare genetic disorder White-Sutton Syndrome. causing autism and Global Development Delay, including gross motor delays. Samuel used to be fearful of swimming and particularly hated getting his face wet; this was compounded by his disabilities. Samuel needed more than a single weekly lesson to be safe around water and master his swimming skills.
Samuel and his mum worked closely with his therapy services team who encouraged them to apply for the Ability WA Sports and Recreation Scholarship. Funded by our generous donors, this special initiative is aimed at reducing barriers for children with disabilities to participate in the sports or recreation activities they love.
Knowing it would allow her to provide Samuel with consistent and more intensive lessons, Michelle successfully applied. The scholarship funded six months of swimming lessons. Michelle expected the swimming lessons to build Samuel’s strength and skills in the pool. What she didn’t expect was the confidence the swimming lessons gave Samuel out of the pool.
Michelle says, “Not only was Samuel able to participate in school swimming with his classmates this year, he was actually around the same level as his peers, didn’t need any special assistance and passed his level.
Since he needs support in every other aspect of his school-life, it has been amazing for his confidence.”
We achieve more together.