Greystanes Disability Services has received two significant grants to purchase assistive technologies and mobility equipment for people with disabilities.
The Greystanes Foundation, an independent trust with the mission of supporting Greystanes, granted $14,550 for the purchase of communications aids for people with disabilities such as iPads and accessible switches, and for the purchase of mobility equipment, specifically an Evolv EasyStand sit-to-stand "Stander" which is shared among three people living in a community home in Wentworth Falls.
The Greystanes Foundation is an independent trust, overseen by a board of directors, who drive efforts to fundraise and invest for the financial security and future of Greystanes Disability Services.
The Foundation was established in April 2012 with the mission to support Greystanes Disability Services.
The grants made from the trust come from funds raised at the 2014 Greystanes gala dinner.
Communication and mobility supports are essential items for people with significant support needs and multiple disabilities but these items are often not funded by government programs.
Accessible switches allow people with multiple disabilities to have a greater control in their lives.
"Using the switch can be really empowering," says Greystanes support worker Matthew Graham.
"Kylie, for example, made her breakfast the other day using the switch. She operated the blender by pressing down on the switch until her breakfast was ready. She had the satisfaction of doing that herself. We all want to be independent and accessible switches are really helpful for people who find conventional switches not suitable to experience more autonomy and control."
The Stander funded by the foundation provides both therapeutic and daily function support, as it allows people to develop and maintain physical flexibility and posture and circulation.
The Stander also helps a person participate in a range of additional activities, such as making meals, hanging laundry and other daily tasks.
Fundraising by the foundation helps Greystanes provide these additional, life-enhancing supports to people.
To support Greystanes, contact the fundraising and events co-ordinator on 4784 4554.
