Cerebral Palsy Week marked with the opening of renovated community home

People living with Cerebral Palsy now have a newly-refurbished respite home.

Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts today officially opened the Rookwood Street Community Home in Mount Lawley, as part of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week.

Mrs Roberts said the 90-year-old character home, owned by the Centre for Cerebral Palsy, had undergone a $450,000 renovation funded by the State Government.

“The living space has been greatly expanded from a modest three-bedroom house to a five-bedroom spacious home, which is wheelchair-friendly,” she said.

“The refurbished home provides safe accommodation with 24-hour carer support, while allowing residents to still maintain their independence and lifestyle.

“The four women who now live in the home can enjoy each other’s company and have plenty of space for their own interests and support workers, with another resident to join their community soon.”

The theme of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week 2008 is ‘communication’.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is an incurable physical condition that affects a person’s ability to move.  The effect on individuals can vary from weakness in one limb to complete lack of mobility.

“This week is all about bringing the community together to raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy and help improve the lives for those affected by the disease,” the Minister said.

Mrs Roberts said the partnership between The Centre for Cerebral Palsy and the Carpenter  Government was an excellent example of what could be achieved through the State Government’s Community Housing Programs.

“Since 2001- 2002, the State Government has invested more than $50million to deliver 80 projects resulting in more than 400 housing units,” she said.

“This work will continue in 2008-2009, with a $9million program to build a further 50 housing units.

“These projects have been made possible by strong partnerships between the State Government and local government authorities,  large community housing and smaller specialised community housing organisations such as Hawkevale Trust, Lions Clubs, Westcare and the Cerebral Palsy Association." 

Mrs Roberts said the State Government’s Community Housing Programs continued to be successful in providing more housing for people with disabilities and special needs.