For more than 55 years, St Michael’s Association’s support for people with a disability has evolved to meet the changing needs of their participants.
“From the organisation’s inception as a school, through to the current accommodation, in-home tenancy support, support coordination and day programs at our various sites located around Launceston and Devonport, our belief has enabled participants to develop their independence and make choices about their lives. This has always been at the heart of what we do,” CEO Mike Thomas said.
Mr Thomas said: “the support offered by St Michael’s is based on best practice and has a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.”
“Our Practice Framework for Disability Services is based on person-centred approaches, inclusive practices, active support and positive behaviour support.”
St Michaels’ day programs are focused on increasing participants’ skills to live independently. Several new offerings have been included as part of the current Spring/Summer programs including pottery and an extended gardening option in the North of the State.
“We are always seeking to encourage our participants to try new things and take on new challenges, but also ensuring the choice and control remains entirely with them,” he said.
“The new programs are not just fun activities but ones that will also allow our participants to develop some new skills to assist them live independently.”
“There will also be that sense of achievement which comes from successfully completing a task, whether that be a piece of pottery or growing a vegetable from the garden to the plate.”
Lara is one of the participants at Newstead and, according to her mother Margaret, she “absolutely loves” Tuesdays as it is dancing day.
“She also loves going out on the bus for morning tea. Another favourite is the music and drumming days.”
St Michaels’ place in Northern Tasmania is well documented, and this has been further cemented through the development of our additional facilities at East Devonport.
Mr Thomas said the former school site was ideal for repurposing as a day program facility, with programs beginning in 2019 and participant demand for quality, outcome-driven day programs was increasing rapidly.
“The growth in participant numbers and ongoing demand in the region has meant that we will soon commence building residential accommodation and a respite centre at the campus,” he said.
Currently St Michael’s offers a respite service in the community.
St Michael’s operates in the NDIS service delivery categories of:
- Choice and control
- Daily living
- Accommodation
- Social and community
- Respite; and
- Support coordination
For additional information regarding St Michael’s please call (03) 6331 7651 or email info@stmichaels.asn.au. Follow us on Facebook @stmichaelsassociation
For media enquiries contact:
Nigel Tapp
Media, Communication & Member Coordinator
E: nigel.tapp@stmichaels.asn.au
M: 0447 119 708
