Hannah Hammoud
Victoria University’s St Albans campus has welcomed Australia’s first on-campus community centre for adults with autism.
The centre officially opened on Thursday, June 8, following a collaboration between Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and Victoria University (VU).
The alliance pioneers a new model at VU’s St Albans campus to provide positive outcomes for both adult participants and students.
The new centre offers much needed services for Autistic adults in Brimbank and facilitates opportunities for participants to enrol in Victoria University Polytechnic courses to gain recognised qualifications.
Participants will also be supported to acquire valuable job and independent living skills by engaging in programs and activities across the University’s facilities.
The new adult community centre caters for more than 25 Autistic adults and approximately 18 staff.
The innovative model will also provide a unique opportunity for VU students who are training in areas such as speech pathology, social work and community services, to participate in placements, internships and potentially, formal employment with Aspect.
Tom Broadley who has lived experience and is now a Liaison Officer at the new St Albans centre, said he is proud and excited to be a part of this new venture.
“I have personally experienced the life-changing impact of therapy and support services and am grateful to have a chance to help other adults feel welcomed and supported,” Mr Broadley said.
“I enjoy getting to know each participant as it allows me to understand what they are going through and suggest activities or programs they might really like.
“My work with Aspect is beyond rewarding and I love being able to relate my own stories, so our participants feel heard and understood.”
Aspect participants have begun engaging in programs and activities across various areas of the St Albans campus including the aquatic centre, cooking facilities, presentation spaces, sporting grounds and general campus amenities.
Aspect will be commencing its first round of placements in mid-June, with four students studying Cert IV, Disability and Community Services and Diploma, Community Services, joining the new centre.
