Cerebral Palsy Alliance has opened a world-class therapy centre for people with disability in Western Sydney.
The Roselands facility will provide more than 700 children and adults with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities, access to innovative therapies, programs and services.
It was opened by NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, who said the $2.9million investment by the NSW Government was secured by CPA to meet growing demand for services in the area.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to enhancing support for individuals with disability and their families within our community, “the minister said.
The site includes an internal fit-out with nine client therapy rooms, flexible spaces for equipment trials and group programs including intensives which have proven long-term outcomes for children, a gym, accessible bathrooms and change rooms, and ceiling hoists for client transfers.
CPA CEO Rob White said the organisation, which was the first in the world to support people with cerebral palsy, will celebrate its 80th anniversary later this year.
“Our aim is to constantly improve our services, and this new facility is an example of that. It will enable us to deliver a wide range of evidence-based therapies, as well as access to innovative technology and equipment to improve and enhance the lives of people with disability of all ages,” he said.
CPA Roselands addresses a significant need for accessible, high quality disability services in Canterbury/ Bankstown, CPA chair Andrew Buchanan said.
“Children, teenagers and adults were missing out on essential support programs at the previous site in Penshurst, and this new centre ensures those with disability achieve their goals for health, wellbeing, independence and more importantly, inclusion.”
CPA has 2,700 staff, 5000 clients, three academic chairs at Sydney University, a fundraising centre in the US and a research foundation that is 20 years old, “which, through research, has seen a 40 per cent reduction in cerebral palsy,” Mr Buchanan said.
Photo: Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, CPA client Eden Dessalegen and her son, Kingston.