Support service aims to create brighter futures for people with a disability

Life in Canberra is about to get a whole lot sunnier.

Local organisation Sunnyfield Disability Services is launching a new range of Community Service Programs open to youth and adults with disability in the ACT as part of its mission to connect people with disability with the community, build friendships and promote social connections.

And it wants to hear from the community to ensure its services are as relevant as possible. In February, it's holding some information sessions for families, carers and support coordinators to get their views about the kind of support services they would like.

Since 1952, not-for-profit charity and registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, Sunnyfield, has been dedicated to creating brighter futures for people with disability.

Through person-centred active support, all its Community Service Programs aim to create choice, opportunities and skills for life for all participants.

Community Service Programs provide people with disability the opportunity to socialise and be part of their community, through a wide range of activities including cooking classes, sustainability projects, social groups, sport and recreational activities and community access programs.

Sunnyfield is designed to be a place where people with disability can learn, grow and explore. Participants pick and choose programs based on their interests and hobbies, or learn a new set of skills to build independence, reach their NDIS goals and contribute in the ways they would like to.

Peter Dixon, General Manager of Community Services at Sunnyfield, said its programs follow the philosophy that people with disability have the same rights as people without disability to participate in their communities, promoting independence in every aspect.

He said that in order to allow people to participate more fully in their communities, Sunnyfield takes a tailored approach to the programs and supports it provides.

"We believe that learning about each participant and their experiences is crucial to supporting them to achieve their NDIS goals," he said.

The first step in the process of developing effective support begins with Sunnyfield staff sitting down with participants and their families to develop an understanding of their individual needs and what they want to achieve.

"Participants don't just come to us and we decide what they want," said Mr Dixon.

"Our job is to understand their needs and their NDIS goals, and then work in partnership to develop tailored supports for each participant."

If you're on the lookout for a disability service provider, Sunnyfield wants to hear what you want in your supports so it can provide a more personalised program. Join one of Sunnyfield's information sessions and chat with a Sunnyfield staff member about what you'd like to see. They'll also cover Sunnyfield's current services and what's on the horizon.

To book your session visit the Sunnyfield website , email enquiries@sunnyfield.org.au or call 1300 588 688.

'Support Coordinators Information Sessions

Families, Carers and Guardians Information Session

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