Respecting diversity, empowering people and working together are key values of Distinctive Options, which is on its way to St Albans.
The Sunbury-based organisation has worked alongside people with disabilities for more than 30 years, offering group and individual training to people with disabilities to enhance their personal and life skills.
Community connection co-ordinator Sarah Heriot says the St Albans service caters to small groups, and is seeking new service users between the ages of 18 and 30.
“Some people would prefer spending time with a support worker, whether it’s learning how to cross the road or going to the cinema,” she said. “In a group, participants learn day-to-day skills; for example, how to cook or how to travel using public transport.”
Ms Heriot said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was supporting greater choice in recreational and other activities.
“It’s about people spending money on the things that they want to and they enjoy,” Ms Heriot said, adding the main aim of Distinctive Operations was to offer real-life choices for people with disabilities and their families.
By Neslim Djemal