Ability WA celebrates 75 years of supporting Western Australians with disability

Ability WA, one of Western Australia’s longest-standing disability service providers, recently launched its 75th anniversary celebrations with an invitation-only event at ANZAC House, Perth.

The event, brought together corporate partners, government representatives, Ability WA Board members, customers and families and employees, to celebrate the organisation’s 75 year history and its continued role as one of the state’s leading disability service providers.

Guests heard from Ability WA Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Thomson, Board member and nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Priya Cooper OAM, and the Hon Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government, Disability Services and Volunteering, who formally launched the 75th birthday celebrations on the night. Ability WA customers Melanie Gresswell and Sebastian Fragomeni also shared their own stories of support.

When asked to reflect on the organisation’s journey from its grassroots beginnings to its position today, Ability WA Board Chair Dianne Ritson proudly noted.

“Ability WA has been part of the fabric of this state for over 75 years. We started as a small group of parents and volunteers committed to giving their children a better chance.”

Ms Ritson said the organisation’s purpose had remained constant even as its scale and expertise had grown.

“Our mission has never really changed. We exist so that people of all abilities can thrive in their own communities, on their own terms. What has changed is our reach, our expertise, and the scale of what we’re able to do, growing from a handful of dedicated, visionary people into one of the state’s leading disability service providers.”

Looking ahead, Ms Ritson said Ability WA intended to help lead the sector through ongoing change, rather than simply respond to it.

“As we look to the next seventy-five years, our focus is on staying exactly as close to our customers as we’ve always been, even as the sector around us changes; new technology, new reforms, new ways of delivering support. We intend to be right there, shaping that future rather than simply reacting to it. That’s what built on legacy, focused on the future, actually means to us.”

Ability WA’s origins date back to 1948, when a small group of determined parents began advocating for better support for their children and other children with disability. That grassroots movement was formalised with the incorporation of the Spastic Welfare Association of Western Australia in 1951, laying the foundations for the organisation known today as Ability WA.

Seventy-five years on, Ability WA supports more than 2,300 customers across metropolitan Perth and beyond. Through the support of 1200 staff members Ability WA delivers services spanning home and living support, community participation, employment, therapy services, assistive technology and early intervention.

Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Thomson said the anniversary was ultimately a celebration of the people who have shaped Ability WA’s history.

“75 years of connection, community and impact has been made possible through powerful collaboration between our customers, families and staff, enhanced with the support of partners, donors, government, and directors. Together we can rightly celebrate Shine Together 75.”

The launch kicks off a program of anniversary events, including a staff celebration, a customer morning tea, a customer dance party and a health and disability symposium, running through to early 2027.