About Us

The Independent Living Centre of Western Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit, community based equipment information and advisory resource service which:

  • Enables people to find out about, see and trial a range of equipment, assistive technology and training resources for people living and working with disabilities, injuries and age-related difficulties
  • The Independent Living Centre of WA does not sell equipment, but does have a Hire Service with specialist equipment that may assist individuals and organisations with short-term needs or for trial purposes.

The core services of assistive equipment and technologies are supported by an enquiry line, hire service and country program. In addition the Independent Living Centre reaches more of the public through delivering a range of training and consultancy services, and administering the Lotterywest Disability Equipment Program and the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Service for the Northern Region, Perth Metropolitan area. New services have predominately been initiated through government funding. 

Organisation Overview
Board of Management
The Independent Living Centre of WA Inc (ILC) was formally established in 1978 and since that time has been providing information, training and consultancy services related to equipment for people with disabilities and the elderly.  Service provision to clients is directed at maintaining function, safety and independence in all areas of daily living.  The client group is diverse and includes people of all ages and abilities. People living with sensory and cognitive disabilities, frail and well elderly persons, carers, health professionals, educators, service organisations and health care providers, architects and builders, local government authorities and State and Federal Government authorities all can benefit from the services and programs provided by the ILC.
 

Our Purpose

The Independent Living Centre is a centre of excellence for assistive equipment technologies and environmental design that will enable individuals to maintain and enhance their independence in the home, work and community.
We do this through:-
  • Delivering an information and advisory service in all aspects and applications of equipment, technology and access.
  • Research into key areas of assistive equipment technology.
  • Politically advocating, influencing government policy to benefit the needs and interests of clients.
  • Education and training to enhance community awareness of the importance of assistive equipment and technology.
 
We operate as a central campus that provides a range of information and advisory services.
Our community outreach services are implemented through our mobile outreach services and our strategic alliances and partnerships with a range of local and remote providers, and rural education and support.
Our services are available to people of all ages and abilities.
 

Funding

The Independent Living centre receives funding from Disability Services Commission, Home and Community Care Program and Department of Health WA for its core services.
Since September 2000, ILC has been operating a Commonwealth Carelink Centre in the North Metropolitan Region of Western Australia, having successfully tendered in a competitive market to deliver this Commonwealth funded initiative.  In 2003, the ILC began managing the Lotterywest Disability Equipment Grants Scheme that Lotterywest had put out for tender after many years of administering the program. Both these programs compliment the services of the ILC and enhance the provision of services to our client group.  In October 2005, the ILC successfully tendered once again to deliver the combined Commonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink programs under one Centre; Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, North Metropolitan Region.
 

Our History

In October 1977, the Independent Living Centre opened its doors at 60 Havelock Street, West Perth, courtesy of initial staffing and accommodation provided by the Paraplegic Quadriplegic Association and Civilian Maimed and Limbless Association. These premises provided an excellent start for the organisation but soon the lack of space and access difficulties necessitated a move. The property adjacent to Royal Perth Rehabilitation Hospital in Lemnos Street, Shenton Park was chosen as the new site. The Lotteries Commission and Society for Crippled Children (Rocky Bay) assisted with funding and fitting out the building. The new Building became operational in October 1982.
 
The next milestone was the Incorporation of the Independent Living in December 1984 and the establishment of its own Management and Advisory Committee independent from Paraquad/CMLA.    Miss Freda Jacob, the Founder of the Independent Living centre was bestowed with the First Honorary Life membership in August 1986.
 
  • Funds were received from the Health department of WA in 1989 to establish the mobile Information and display Unit to extend the services to rural and remote areas of WA. The Caravan continues to travel the outer regions of WA with support from HACC and DSC funding.
  • A special grant from the Ministry of Education in 1990 saw the commencement of the Microcomputer and Communication Aids Service (MACAS), now evolved into the ILC Technology Service.   
  • The Disability services Commission provided funds in 1995 to establish the Equipment Lending Library now known as the ILC Hire Service. The Access Consultancy service was launched in the same year.
  • The lease for premises on the Royal Perth Hospital site expired in late 2000. The ILC in partnership with the Neurological Council and Cystic Fibrosis secured land at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital site and part funding from Lotterywest for a new building. The ILC moved into its new purpose built accessible premises in "The Niche" and opened its doors to the public on June 25th 2002.   
 

Principles

Chair of Board of Directors:  Mr Ralph Gore
 
Executive Director:   Gerri Clay
 
The organisational structure of ILC consists of a Board of Directors, Executive Director, Service Managers, Health Professionals, Finance and Administration Support Staff.