Australia’s first on-campus community centre for Autistic adults has opened at Victoria University’s (VU) St Albans campus, as part of a collaboration with Aspect. This ground-breaking partnership aims to provide support services, training opportunities and qualifications for Autistic adults, whilst benefitting Victoria University students in training in related fields.
The official opening on June 8 saw Aspect staff and board members, VU staff, state and local ministers, and members of the community come together to learn more about Aspect’s Adult Community Services program being provided to the community.
The new centre supports Autistic adults in the Brimbank area of Melbourne, offering participants a wide-variety of activities utilising VU’s state-of-the art facilities, such as sporting grounds and aquatic centre, commercial kitchens and library. Working in partnership with the adults their support network, individualised activities are created to build independence and social skills, health and wellbeing and job skills.
The collaboration between Aspect and Victoria University also invests in the future of the disability services workforce and provides students with valuable workplace training and experience and sets a precedent for bridging academic and community services.
Tom Broadley, who has lived experience, is Aspect’s Autism Liaison Officer at the new St Albans centre, and states he is proud and excited to be a part of this new venture. “I have personally experienced the life-changing impact of therapy and support services and am grateful to have a chance to help other adults feel welcomed and supported,” said Mr Broadley.
The new adult community centre will cater for approximately 25 Autistic adults and is currently accepting new enrolments.
Watch this video to learn more.
