WA advocacy group wins 2014 National Disability Award

Well-known advocacy and support organisation Technology Assisting Disability WA (TADWA) has won a 2014 National Disability Award during a gala event at Parliament House in Canberra last night.

TADWA was one of 23 finalists from more than 200 nominations across eight award categories.

With a strong focus on technology, Bassendean-based TADWA works to improve the quality and enjoyment of life for people with disabilities, older people and their carers.

The organisation, which won the “Improving Personal and Community Support Award,” provided more than 4,500 services in 2013-14.

Client needs were assessed by occupational therapists and skilled technicians before designing and modifying products to suit each individual.

The judges were “extremely impressed by the range of technical assistance TADWA is able to provide to promote independence of people with disability” as well as by TADWA’s offer of “tailored solutions, which comply with health standards and are practical and affordable”.

In addition, judges spoke highly of TADWA’s strong community connections, noting “the organisation utilises volunteers so well to provide a facility which has grown exponentially over the past 30 years to meet the demand of a growing client base, [which] is to be applauded”.

The National Disability Awards are a major part of celebrations marking the International Day of People with Disability on 3 December each year.

The full list of 2014 National Disability Award recipients and more information can be found at www.idpwd.com.au.