Pioneering Narrogin service provider Accessability receives recognition at Community Achievement Awards

Home-grown disability services provider Accessability has been recognised at the 2023 WA Community Achievement Awards for transforming lives by empowering participants. With a head office in Narrogin and a Katanning branch, the group were finalists for the APM Sustainable Disability Employment Award, something Accessability CEO Shanthi Collins said was a “great honour”. “We were thrilled to be at the awards,” she said. “It was poignant to be amongst such upstanding people, it was incredibly moving to hear their stories about how they have tried to make a difference in the lives of others. “That’s what we’re about, making a difference.” Accessability was founded in Narrogin 1993 by a small group of families who came together to form a support association. Over the past three decades, the organisation has grown and developed. In 2020 the group became an NDIS provider and now supports individuals in towns around the Wheatbelt and Upper Great Southern. “We have around 70 support workers, that includes managers, service co-ordinators and therapy services,” Ms Collins said. “We have some workers who have been here for ten years, including me. “The services that we provide are far-reaching, we’ve got an office in Katanning as well and from there we service areas like Kojonup and Gnowangerup.” Independent living with 24-hour support, employment assistance, respite accommodation, creative workshops and social events are some of the services the organisation provides the region. “The other highlight is our community hub at the activity centre,” Ms Collins said. “We run group activities but they are still individualised; if some participants would like to visit Foxes Lair for instance to go for a walk they will be supported by our workers to go there.” Ms Collins said that compassionate staff and strong values have been key to three decades of success. “In every business you have to look at growth and sustainability, but we are very person-centred,” she said. “The best thing about our organisation is the team, we always recruit based on values. You must have the passion, the right values and the heart.”