The Physical
Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) supports the
belief that individuals should have the services
which allow them to live as a valuable part of
their community.
Evidence from the UK,
Ireland and the U.S.A. suggests that smaller
community based residential services allow users
to participate more in their community, allowing
them an opportunity to adapt and participate in
a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Such evidence is now
influencing best practice in NSW.
Living in the community
allows the residents of Weemala a new
opportunity to participate in their community on
their terms.
Progress is usually
forwards, not backwards. Evidence of positive
alternatives should not be ignored.
The concept of a bricks
and mortar institution needs to be flexible,
like the care it provides to each
individual.
The issue is providing the
best individual care not the aesthetics of
it.
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