For more than 40 years, Technology for Ageing and Disability WA (TADWA) has been making life easier for older West Australians and people with disability. What began in the 1980s with a group of Telecom workers modifying telephones for people with vision or hearing difficulties has grown into a well-respected not-for-profit organisation that now helps thousands of people every year.
Based in Bassendean, with a second office in Bunbury, TADWA’s mission is simple: to help people live life their way. The services may have changed over time, but the purpose has stayed the same – supporting independence, safety and connection in the community.
TADWA’s occupational therapists are often the first point of contact. They work closely with clients and families to understand what’s needed to make daily life safer and easier at home. Sometimes it’s as simple as a grab rail or a ramp; other times it might be a complete bathroom renovation. These changes can make a world of difference, giving people the confidence to remain in their own homes and reducing the risk of falls.
Technology is another important part of the picture. Many older people want to keep in touch with family or navigate the growing number of online services, but find the digital world overwhelming. TADWA helps bridge that gap by refurbishing affordable laptops and computers, offering one-on-one support, and recycling older devices to keep them out of landfill. Refurbished devices are also donated to local charities and community groups, ensuring that more people benefit. To keep this going, TADWA encourages donations of unwanted computers and hardware – a simple way for anyone to support both the environment and their community.
TADWA also knows how important mobility and freedom are to living a full life. The team modifies bikes and trikes so that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the fun and health benefits of cycling. For those who still want the independence of driving, vehicle modifications – such as wheelchair hoists or assisted driver controls – provide safe and practical solutions to stay on the road.
What makes TADWA special is the way it combines practical know-how with a deep understanding of people’s needs. Every service is designed to support someone’s lifestyle, not just tick a box. It might be an occupational therapist working with a family to plan safer living at home, a builder creating accessible spaces, a technician setting up a laptop, or the mobility team custom-building a trike or modifying a vehicle. Whatever the service, the focus is always on helping people live the way they want to – independently, confidently and connected to their community. From humble beginnings to a multi-service organisation, TADWA has stayed true to its roots. It’s about people helping people – making everyday life a little safer, a little easier, and a lot more connected.
And as TADWA looks to the future, the message remains the same: whatever your age or ability, you deserve to live life your way.
For more information call 1300 663 243, email enquiries@tadwa.org.au, or visit www.tadwa.org.au.
For over 40 years, TADWA has been empowering people of all abilities to live life their way with innovation, compassion and a whole lot of purpose. | Click here to read the article on the Have a Go News website.
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