By CASEY NEILL
WALLARA has expanded its support for young adults with disabilities into Pakenham and Baxter.
The Doherty Street address in Pakenham is the Dandenong-based service’s first Cardinia location in its 55-year history.
Michelle Smith, a Wallara general manager, said it would house a high support day service to help participants with communication and independence skills, accessing their community and sensory-based activities.
“They are more often than not non-verbal and maybe have physical disabilities along with intellectual disabilities and pretty much need us for just about everything,” she said.
“They need a lot of assistance so it’s a small ratio. We can get them out and about into the community.”
Wallara will also use the space for young adults who want to learn more about work options and independent living and travelling skills, and participate in social and recreational activities.
“It’s about people having social roles in the community and making friendships,” Ms Smith said.
Wallara special projects senior manager Sue Rolland said clients spent time at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter each week.
“They do a variety of things, from gardening with some assistance from our community volunteers to caring for the animals, which includes cleaning out their enclosures, feeding and grooming and, of course, lots of cuddles,” she said.
“Some who are unable to do these things enjoy being outdoors, which feels like they are out in the country.”
The local council, parents and passionate volunteers established Wallara in 1959 to help kids with a disability in the Dandenong area.
It reinvented itself in 2007 and today delivers services to about 550 people from 30 sites across Melbourne’s south-east.
Wallara’s mission is to empower the people it supports to live the life they choose.
Call 9792 2985 for more information.
