New Autism SA Family Centre - Netley
Autism SA is moving into an exciting time its development as we say goodbye to our home of some 30 years in Fisher Street, Myrtle Bank.
Autism SA’s new facility is located at 262 Marion Road, Netley which is centrally located and will enable collaborative partnerships and service responses – it is located very near to the Carer Training Centre and the Marleston TAFE.
The project is underway and it is anticipated that Autism SA will begin to move by February 2008, depending on the progress of the fit out.
Project
The fit out of the new Autism SA Family Centre - Netley. This entails the establishment of a family friendly centre that provides office space for the organisation as well as incorporating specialised areas for diagnostic assessments, therapy, counselling and library / resources.
Rationale
Individuals and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder need to experience the following:
- integrated service delivery
- easily accessible information, resources, counselling and support
- clear pathways for service options
- welcoming environments
- expertise and understanding
There is a need to develop services which create environments which are sensitive to needs of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This proposal focuses on the development of the central family centre as part of Autism SA’s relocation from Fisher Street, Myrtle Bank to Marion Road Netley. Future development and growth will see the establishment of satellite family centres in the north and south metropolitan areas.
Purpose of the Autism SA Family Centre - Netley
The purpose of the Family Centre model is to develop localised environments where services are provided which specifically meet the needs of the autism community. These include:
- Information and resources
- Counselling - support and guidance in understanding the nature of the disability, identifying ways of improved problem-solving and coping skills
- Assessment – diagnosis, speech, occupational therapy
- Training and support – teaching, educating, mentoring, coaching to facilitate the development of skills – encourage self-advocacy, self-determination, enhance family functioning and resilience. There are a range of research studies about the benefits of equipping and supporting parents
- A central base for parents to network
- Facilitate parent-to-parent models of support
- Facilities which will enable collaborative partnerships and service responses – for example the Family Centre is located near the Carer Training Centre and the Marleston TAFE
Customised Fit Out
- Observation windows and audio-visual equipment for families and professionals for training and assessment purposes
- Support beams for therapy and other specific equipment
- Range of accessible amenities
- Fittings and equipment that is appropriate for children with sensory impairments and autism
- Appropriate colours which enhance a calm environment
- Undercover taxi access and automatic opening doors
- Private and confidential counselling rooms
- Library and resource centre
- Meeting rooms for parent groups
- Training rooms
- Autism SA Info Line
- Access to utilities for families to develop resources (Boardmaker, laminator etc)
- Family-friendly – toys/activities/games.
Family Centre Staffing
- Multidisciplinary Family and Information Services Team
- Allied health professionals and volunteers would facilitate linkage of families/individuals with the broader skilled staff involved in existing programs within Autism SA.
Some Family Centre Specific Costings
The following are costings for the most important facets of the new Autism SA Family Centre – Netley. Opportunities exist for supporting a specific area in the Centre:
Family Friendly Waiting Area (inc toys) $15,000
Resource Centre $20,000
Resource Equipment Room $ 7,000
Autism SA Info Line (1300 AUTISM) Room $10,000
Counselling / Meeting Rooms (3) $23,000
Diagnostic Assessment Room (inc video equipment) $20,000
Early Childhood Therapy Room $11,000
Specialised Training Room $22,000
Funding for this Project
Autism SA is seeking non recurrent funds and donations for capital items. These include the costs of the fit out of the facilities, Information Technology infrastructure, therapy equipment, office furniture, audiovisual equipment, toys and games. The overall estimated cost of this fit out is $500,000. Autism SA is seeking financial and in-kind support for this project from the government, the corporate sector and the wider community.
To date the Family Centre has received support / pledges of support from
The Baiada Poultry Children’s Charity Nest $22,000
Commonwealth Bank $16,000
The Ministerial Advisory Committee – Students with Disabilities $50,000
We would be very grateful if you / your organisation would consider making a donation towards this project which is the most significant occurrence in Autism SA’s 44 year history. Please contact me on 8379 3659 or 0410 501 926 should you require any further information.
All support will be acknowledged via our corporate communications as well as in the Family Centre itself – eg ‘honour board’ or wall plaque for major gifts. Thank you for considering this request.
Kind regards
Karl Zander
Manager Community Relations