Autism Association of WA 2020 Annual Report

Community Living

Supporting individuals

The Community Living program offers a range of options to assist people to move into a home of their own. This can include living with a small group of people or sharing a home with 1 other person. It can also include living alone with staff support. The diverse nature of the option’s available means that individuals and families can choose what best meets their needs. We work with each person and family to assist them to identify what works best for them and what suits their short-term and long-term goals. This year we again expanded services with 85 homes supported. This includes 56 shared-living homes supported by fulltime staff providing 24-hour support. There are also 29 independent living homes with part- time staff for individuals who only required this level of support. Throughout the year the Community Living team focussed on supporting individuals to transition to the NDIS, working with each individual and their family to ensure they continue to receive the supports they need to achieve their aspirations and goals. We work closely with the person and family to provide each individual with the support they need through careful planning. We pay attention to the detail of each person’s life - to the things that are important to them. We listen to the individual and their family to ensure that transition into a new home is as stress- free and enjoyable as possible.

with Autism to live in a home of their own.

Siahn’s Story Siahn is 19 years old and like most 19-year-old girls, loves to be pampered and have her hair cut and styled. Until recently, Siahn had never visited the hairdresser and instead her mum cut and styled her hair at home. All of this changed this year, when Siahn embarked on a new adventure of having her hair done in a salon. Siahn was a little apprehensive at first but, in time, warmed to the idea of having her hair cut and styled by a trendy hairdresser. Siahn is definitely not looking back. It is all forwards from here, with more regular visits to the salon already in the calendar!

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2020

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