A pioneer in housing and support for people with intellectual disabilities is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Established in 1989, not-for-profit organisation Lighthouse Disability now assists more than 250 South Australians through supported independent living and plan management services.
The Intellectual Disability Services Council (IDSC) paved the way for community living with Lighthouse Disability, born out of a group of families in the northern suburbs who wanted a better life for their adult children.
Elice, whose daughter Amanda has been a client since the mid-90s said she didn’t know what would have happened to Amanda if it was not for Lighthouse Disability. “I will be forever grateful that they took over the challenge in the way they did, in the manner they did and at the time they did when others weren’t prepared to,” she said.
CEO Andrew Ellis said the organisation, with a strong presence in the north and north-eastern suburbs, had a proud history and “exciting future”.
He said the last 35 years had seen the most significant change in disability services in Australia and this needed to continue.
“Deinstitutionalisation, together with the NDIS, had been at the centre of our evolution,” he said. “The sector is now at a critical intersection and must continue to evolve to ensure the care, support and choice for people living with disabilities continues to improve. And Lighthouse Disability is committed to being at the forefront of this.”
Ellis said a calendar of inclusive celebrations were planned over the next 12 months to mark the 35th milestone, including a “party” later in the year.
“Our residents and community will not just be part of the celebrations, they’ll be choosing what we do,” he said.
Photo: Elice and Amanda