High-tech disability service delivers greater accessibility

Virtual reality learning tools, a computer training room and an accessible kitchen are among the features of a new Learning and a Lifestyle hub for the Endeavour Foundation that opened last week.

With clients from across Greater Brisbane, the Bowen Hills hub aims to transform the lives of National Disability Insurance Scheme participants, empowering them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Endeavour Foundation CEO David Swain says the day service is packed with accessible features and breakout spaces for different activities.

“Over many years we have evolved to be a leading service provider with a focus on using the latest technology to provide learning opportunities for the people we support,” David says.

The hub is a return home for the Endeavour Foundation, which also has Learning and Lifestyle programs at Redcliffe, Lawnton and Caboolture and opened its first school in Bowen Hills 700m away from the new site 68 years ago.

“We’re incredibly proud to be officially opening our newest service here in Bowen Hills, so close to where it all started for us,” David says.

“Our organisation was established to advocate for the rights of people living with disability, starting with the right to an education.

“Today we are still working to see inherent human rights recognised, as an independent human service organisation supporting people with disability and people facing barriers to employment, in every mainland state and territory.”

David says the new hub’s location will give more people the ability to access the service by train.

About 60 clients visit each week and the centre has the capacity to work with about 100.

Important role

Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford says the hub offers a variety of programs and activities designed to support people with disability.

“Valuable initiatives such as this play an important role in ensuring communities are inclusive and accessible for people with disability,” he says.

“We applaud the efforts of organisations like the Endeavour Foundation in helping more Queenslanders with disability to learn life skills, socialise, get job ready or try new things.”

Endeavour Foundation client Jayden Sturgess, a musician and singer, loves the accessibility of the service.

“I have a lot of quiet time. I also sing and play the piano, so the music room is brilliant,” Jayden says.

“I haven’t done cooking at the new kitchen yet but I’m excited to do it because the kitchen is even more accessible and even has a stove that goes up and down.”

David says tablets and electronic whiteboards may have replaced writing slates and blackboards, but Endeavour’s goal remains the same - to make possibilities a reality for people with disability.